1
Three Keys to Success
Joshua A. Learner
Columbia Southern University
LSS 1300: Learning Strategies for Success
Dr. John Doe
July 10, 2020
SAMPLE FORMAL ESSAY
The title page includes the title of
the assignment in bold font, the
student’s name, the name of the
university, the course name, the
instructor’s name, and the date
the assignment is due. There is
an extra double space after the
title of the paper.
Paper Format
✓ 1 inch margins
✓ Double spacing
✓ Paragraphs indented .5 inch (usually default Tab)
Suggested fonts:
✓ Sans serif fonts such as 11 pt. Calibri and Arial, or 10 pt. Lucida Sans Unicode
✓ Serif fonts such as 12 pt. Times New Roman, 11 pt. Georgia, or 10 pt. Computer
Modern. This example paper is written in Times New Roman, size 12. The same font
and font size should be used throughout the entire paper.
✓ This Formatting Formal Assignments tutorial will help you format your paper
✓ The CSU Citation Guide will also help with paper format and APA
Page numbers are placed in the
upper right corner of every
page. This is done by going to
“Insert,” “Page Number,” “Top of
Page,” and then selecting “Plain
Number 3.”
2
Three Keys to Success
Being successful in the classroom and the working world requires more than just pure
luck. Those who achieve success tend to understand that they must work hard, and they often
excel at incorporating various skills into their daily routines. Three skills that are essential for
ensuring success include organization, time management, and communication, and these are
abilities that most people can learn and master.
Organization is a skill that enhances efficiency. Being organized helps individuals
maintain order in their lives and allows them to focus on tasks instead of being distracted by
chaos. Being organized can also improve productivity. Having an area that is clear of clutter and
where necessary items are conveniently placed improves study time because everything is easily
accessible, and this allows the individual to focus on the task at hand. A messy or cluttered work
space not only makes it difficult to focus, but it can also be stressful. To help eliminate stress,
Scott (2019) recommends that individuals organize their physical space. She also suggests that
being proactive about anticipating stressors can help one be prepared to preemptively manage
them before they occur. That may mean spending a few hours tidying up a work area, making a
to-do list, or ensuring that children are fed and entertained before studying to ensure that the
study time will be productive. In addition to being organized, success also depends on one’s
ability to effectively manage his or her time.
Time management is the practice of intentionally assigning time to various tasks (Mind
Tools, n.d.). Using time wisely allows individuals to accomplish their goals promptly, which can
be vital if changes or corrections are necessary after the task has been completed. Procrastinating
until the last minute leaves little to no time to make necessary revisions, which can lead to subpar
work and lower grades, and it can also create unnecessary stress and anxiety. Procrastination is
When paraphrasing information,
in-text citations will include the
author’s name and the year the
source was published.
This is a transition sentence. It tells
the reader what the next topic is.
The title at the top of this page
needs to be the same as the title
on the title page. It is bold.
3
not the only time stealer, however. Staying busy with non-essential tasks can make an individual
less productive as well. Tourangbam (2011) notes that “Nothing is easier than being busy, and
few things are more difficult than being efficient and effective” (p. 2). It is important to use time
wisely and effectively. Prioritizing tasks and scheduling events allow individuals to maximize
productivity (Hamilton, 2013). When time is scheduled and work is ordered, the most important
tasks get completed first, which leaves room for unexpected occurrences like technological
issues and unscheduled meetings. Effective time management is a constantly evolving skill that
requires discipline and, at times, self-denial, because one must decide to forgo his or her desires
to do what needs to be done to ensure success. Time management is undoubtedly a very
important aspect of success, but success also depends on one’s ability to communicate well.
Communication involves conveying information in a clear and concise manner, and it is
important for people to communicate clearly whether they are presenting information verbally or
writing a research paper. Some of the various methods used to communicate in the modern age
include telephone conversations, email, and chat messaging (Hamilton, 2013). Phone
conversations must be professional, and it is important to be mindful of the tone of voice used
when communicating on the telephone. Ellis (2009) notes that since body language is non-
existent in phone conversations, first impressions are based on the pace of speech and the
warmth and tone of the voice. Written communication is also void of visual cues, so proper
etiquette must be used when communicating online or through email (Hamilton, 2013).
Additionally, written communication must be clear and grammatically correct so that others can
understand what is being communicated. The ability to clearly transmit key thoughts and ideas
to others is imperative.
Direct quotations include the author’s
name, year of publication, and page or
paragraph number.
4
Although there are many skills that contribute to success, three that have proven to be
essential for success in educational endeavors, the professional world, and everyday life are
organization, time management, and communication. Individuals who can master these skills
will have a set of competencies and abilities they can use throughout their lives to help them
achieve their goals and become successful.
5
References
Ellis, R. (2009). Communication skills: Stepladders to success for the professional (2nd ed.).
Intellect Limited.
Mind Tools. (n.d.). What is time management?
Scott, E. (2019). How to get organized to manage stress. Very Well Minded.
Tourangbam, D. K. (2011). Time management. Vij Books Private Limited.
Note: An essay that will be copied and pasted
into Blackboard will include the references below
the essay; however, essays that will be uploaded
as a Word document will have a separate
reference page like the one shown here.
This is an example of a reference list.
This list is arranged alphabetically by
author name. All in-text citations
must have a corresponding entry on
the reference page.
The word “References” is bold
and is centered at the top of the
reference page.
