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This is one of the topics well covered in the book “Predictably Irrational”. Humans are great at rational planning for the future. So when you talk about working harder you really mean it. Problem is that when that future arrives you’ll face the same distractions (and probably some new ones) that have kept you from doing well in HS. Games to play, friends to visit, a S.O. to hang out with, being tired, lacking energy, etc. </p>
<p>So the reasonable prediction is that your grades in college will be much like they are now. You might start with great intentions, even keep it up for a few weeks, but the odds are unfortunately strong that you won’t escape yourself. </p>
<p>And there’s an easy way to test this. Why wait until next fall to “turn it up a notch”? Why not do it right now? This would let you work out the bugs in the approach when falling a bit short doesn’t really matter instead of when you’re playing for keeps. But, like the smoker that will quit after his birthday, the out-of-shape guy that will start at the gym January 1st, just let me enjoy what I’m doing until that future day comes. It’s a lot easier to make future promises (fully intending to keep them, of course) that have zero costs today than it is to actually change.</p>