I thought I'd write about something I, as well as anyone going back to school, am figuring out: How to get organized to make sure I have a smooth transition back to the daily grind. Having a solid system of organization helps make those hectic days a bit calmer, and allows you to see where you are spending your time. With classes, practices, rehearsals, clubs and organizations, meetings its easy to lose sight of what you are doing because you're running around everywhere! Add a job or two in there and there's a doozy. So, you ambitious, involved, over-achiever you: sit back, take a second, and take whichever tips work for you!
DO: Keep a planner.
Whether you prefer written or electronic, make sure you have somewhere you can write your entire schedule. Classes, meetings, and activities included. I've known people who had planners and only used them for meetings or homework assignments and then overbooked themselves repeatedly. So make sure you write down everything.
DON'T: Expect to remember it all.
You won't. I love you, but you just won't.
DO: Set up your schedule ahead of time.
I like to write down all of the classes and meetings ahead of time, like the Sunday before the week starts. Sunday is (hopefully) not too hectic compared to the rest of the week, so write down what you know and fill in whatever blanks as the week progresses.
DON'T: Go day-to-day.
When you wake up in the morning and try to force yourself into remembering every appointment and obligation, you are more likely to forget something. Plus, you will feel like you are forgetting something and rack your brain trying to remember, thus adding unneeded stress to your morning! Then you'll binge on coffee and go cray cray. So, avoid that. If anything, do your schedule the night before, like when you are about to go to bed. At least you will go to bed with a clear mind.
DO: Color-code!
I am obsessed with color-coding. Put certain things, like classes, in one color, and other things in different colors. You'll be able to glance at your schedule and just know what the day has in store for you. Plus, it's pretty.
DON'T: Get an ugly planner/make your schedule ugly.
You'll resent the bland-ness of it and will probably neglect it after a while.
DO: Keep your materials in one place.
Even if your room is not clean, make sure you keep your school/work/whatever materials in tact. Set a solid place for them and try your best to keep everything in that place all year. It will save you some morning stress trying to locate that missing textbook. Or PLANNER!
DON'T: Be a sloppy mess.
Think about where you put things. Sidebar: I have not heard of one person who says they are productive in a completely messy environment.
DO: Combine&Consolidate.
If you can replace and combine things to make your life easier, do it. Apple makes it easy with things like the iPad and apps and such. There are clipboards that put little notes together, systems that combine your social media, etc. I just ordered mine so I will update this later. :)
DON'T: Angry Birds or Temple Run.
4 hours will go by and you won't know what happened. No bueno.
And finally...
DO: Take a breath.
Your schedule is packed this year! So make sure you are taking care of your personal needs. Take breaks often, grab a coffee with a friend, relax, do what you need. Stress will only hinder you.
So there are my basic tips for organization! Nothing fancy, but these work for me! Whatever you do, make sure you keep up with it through the year for when things get really crazy. So grab your planners/devices, buckle up, and get ready- the year has begun!
xxx
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