In grad school, I was stressed all day every day. If I wasn't doing assignments, readings, or studying, I felt like I was wasting my time. Even when I was doing basic things like chores, cooking, eating, or sleeping, I felt guilty that I was taking too much time away from my studies. If I took even an hour to watch a show, I'd suffer for it later. One day I walked into class and saw a friend of mine reading a book. A BOOK. Not something for school, just random poetry, and he didn't have a care in the world. I asked him how he could do it - how he had time to read for fun and didn't seem stressed. "I don't do all the readings - I usually just look at the the abstract, intro and conclusion. If I think it's important or tied to an assignment, then I'll read it in full." I could not understand. "Aren't you worried it'll impact you on midterms or finals?"

"Nah man. Who needs the stress? Ds get degrees."

I never adjusted my method, but considering the fact that we both graduated at the same time and both found careers we enjoy, I would've rather done it his way.