I can't agree with you more about #1. Sometimes, it's hard to gather yourself and take action towards your goals, even with someone pushing you. I didn't realise that up to grade 8. But now that I've been through grade 8 and currently in grade 9, it seems like it's the time to take action towards my ambition. I've realized that my dreams won't come true automatically, and that now is not the time to relax so much.
Your message really needs to be spread more. People need to know that even when they're a little more productive, they will feel good about themself and about their small accomplishments.