How can I be a good student?

Dear Auntie Betty, I am in Form Three. I was a very good student when I was in the lower classes.
But now almost all the teachers in my school are saying I have flopped totally.
I want to go back to being a good student but I feel lazy to learn. I feel my absorption rate has reduced.
Sometimes, I think I am being attacked spiritually. I also feel I can no longer be as good as I used to be.
I am confused. Please help me.
Abena, Accra.

Dear Abena, You can be and achieve whatever you want as long as you put your mind to it and stay committed and determined.
Whatever you feed your mind with is what you become, so stop feeding your mind with negative thoughts.
Be positive and stop thinking you are being attacked spiritually or that you can no longer be a good student as you used to be. You can. It is possible.
You have identified one of the problems - that is feeling lazy to study. It is time to shake off that laziness and start studying seriously.
The distractions, procrastination and laziness will come up any time you want to study, but you have to develop good study habits, be determined and tell yourself that you will study no matter what.
I suggest you come up with a personal study timetable and follow it religiously. Do you study better at home, school or library? You need a conducive environment to enable you to study well.
While studying, your aim should be to understand what has been taught and explain it in your own words rather than memorising. That makes it difficult to retain information. Read widely. The Junior Graphic is also a good resource for you, so do well to read it regularly.
 You can also ask your teachers what strategies you can develop to enable you to become a good student. You can also seek assistance from your mates who are academically good. You may form study groups to help one another.
You can also ask your parents if they are in a position to hire a teacher to give you extra tuition.
It is important that you also find time to do the things you love. Joining a group that serves your interest in school or church will also be helpful.
Eat well and have enough sleep.
All the best.