Self confidence is not only an important phrase but the life mantra for all, especially for students. The stressful and competitive academic studies of today do not give the students time enough to develop their qualities and build a strong personality. The studies do not give them any practical knowledge or impart them important skills that would help them in future in building their careers. The theoretical knowledge imparted at schools is nothing more than mere words that they are mugging up for getting excellent grades in exams. These words are soon forgotten as soon as the exams are over and what is left is an unlearned mind. What students need is practical knowledge to help improve their mental capabilities, build career skills and other skills for building their careers. These will further build their self confidence and help them in their self development.

Students should be encouraged to undertake games and project works that will help involve not only their physical skills but also help them utilize their mental abilities. Project works done in groups encourage students to work with each other like a team and develop patience towards other people. Students that are usually scolded in classes for being naughty and playing pranks on teachers and classmates can be helped through such activities. Their energies can be utilized in constructive works, which will divert them from other destructive activities. It is said that only a person with a sharp intelligence can cheat others. Naughty students have sharp brains that should be molded to develop career skills. Their creative thinking that they utilize in cooking up new pranks can be used in creating good sportsmen, singers, painters or actors. Many schools have sports periods in junior classes that not only help students in momentarily escaping from their hectic academic schedules but also utilize their physical energies and thus stay healthy and fit. Students should participate in extra-curricular activities like debates, creative writing competitions, plays, singing and dance competitions, etc. Such activities help in developing their self confidence and also their speaking skills or their ability to present themselves in public. Such students are more efficient in dealing with others as adults and usually end up making great team leaders.

Students in early adolescence usually lack self confidence. They are in a fragile phase of their lives where the responses they get from the society, family and friends confuse them, making it difficult for them to distinguish between right and wrong. They are neither adults nor children any more. The peer pressure forces them to experiment extreme things whereas the parents want them to wait since they are still children. At the same time the parents want them to behave responsibly like grown ups. Especially at this stage students should be encouraged to indulge in creative activities that would divert their thinking and help them in developing their skills. The energy pent up in adolescent minds can force them to indulge in anti-social activities, thus creating the criminals of tomorrow. They should be encouraged to take up summer jobs, some kind of coaching or training, workshops or help their parents in household works. Parents should treat them like friends and allow them to not only participate in family discussions but also give advice. This will not only help boost their morals but also help them in developing a distinction between right and wrong. So for an all round development of a student and for making him/her a better individual, it is necessary to combine studies with activities that will help them in enhancing their skills and abilities and thus improve their proficiency. Live the true life!