My Grandma Rose is a baller, and I love how disciplined she is. She always motivates me to do better. Here are four pieces of advice she has given me to help me succeed in high school.

Build up great habits that help you succeed.

My grandma told me this right as I was going into high school. I had been horsing off a lot in middle school, and she wanted me to start focusing. She told me, ‘High school matters; the next steps of your life matter a lot, and I want you to focus on what you need to do.’ I started by going to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time every day. I learned that if you’re getting enough sleep, you can be more productive throughout the day. It’s about establishing a routine. I also focused on my courses more and started working out.

Make friends that want to achieve the same goals as you.

It’s easy to get caught up with people that drag you down. My grandma wanted me to succeed, and she didn’t want people around me hurting any goals I had. Your friends will do that; they’ll tell you something’s a bad idea when you know deep down that it’s good. So, I made friends that do similar things as me—play football, run track, and play video games. My friends hold me accountable, and I hold them accountable. That’s how you grow; that’s how your business goes from good to great.

Check up on people often to see how they are doing. You never know when someone’s feeling down and could use your call.

My grandma was complaining to me about how I never call her, and she’s always the one reaching out to  me. She asked if I ever call other people, and I was like ‘Nah. I don’t really call other people. I wait for them to call me first.’ She told me to check in and see how they’re doing, and I’ve started doing that. If people mean a lot to you, you should see how they’re doing at least once a week. I call the whole family, and when I do call, everyone’s appreciative. I’ve built better relationships, and it personally makes me feel better.

Stay true to yourself and your values.

She wanted me to stay who I was, while also improving my everyday life. She didn’t want my personality to change; she wanted me to keep growing. I have stayed true to myself; I’m not ever changing for other people.

As I look to the next stage of my life, I know my grandma will be there every step of the way, continuing to hold me accountable.