From my experience, in order to get what you desire you need to follow the following points:

1. Fix in mind what you desire toachievein the short-term and long-term

2. Determine what you want to give in returnin order to achieve those goals

3. Establish milestones(definite date) in order to reflect on your progress toward them

4. Structureyour plan with straightforward steps of how you plan to achieve this

5. Write out this plan on something you can see to be aware of it constantly

6. Put the plan IN THE ACTION

As a student, you are not exposed in taking important decisions regarding the academic life.