Everyone thinks that they have their life together (kind of) when they come to college. By then, you've made it through the tedious process of college applications, graduated high school, packed up all of your belongings exactly the way your mother wanted it done, and said good-bye to every one without crying too terribly much. You've got life handled, and you can take anything college life can throw at you, right?
That's what you think. Moving in and saying good-bye to the parents was a piece of cake compared to the time management skills you must now master. Somehow, you have got to keep track of the three essay deadlines, discussion topics, sporting events, room checks, and all of the extra curricular activities you are involved with. Plot twist: Mom and Dad won't be there to help you.
Breathe. It is OK, take that from me. You have the help of some great tools: becoming best friends with your planner, and lists. As goofy as that sounds, they will take you the distance.
My planner lives in my backpack. It would probably be easier if I had a holster for it, but the backpack is the second-best place to keep it whenever I need it. Having a planner allows you to look at days in the future, letting you to estimate how much time you have to write that 10-page analysis. Plus, you can look at your day-to-day activities. The schedule for the semester can go in the notes part, too. Planners look a lot better and are a lot more loved when they have lots of ink and pencil scratching in it. Using a planner can help reduce stress by putting everything you need to remember in one space. There are even places to write important dates in, like your younger sister's birthday (don't forget to send the card!)
Zig Ziglar once said, "You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win." Key word: plan.
Another cool college organization tip: Make yourself a list every day. Even lists that last a week are helpful. Things need to get done, and when they are done, you can cross them out. That feeling is a priceless one, so imagine how golden it will feel to have a whole list checked off. Anything from laundry, to study hours, to sporting events, and even calling Mom and Dad can go on a to-do list. Hint: If you keep it tucked in your planner, you won't lose it!
College is a time to learn how to manage your time and life. Graduating with a degree can help you go places in life, so staying organized and on top of school work is important. Use that calendar, planner, and to-do list. There are even apps for these things, so there is no excuse to why it can't be done.
"Eighty percent of success is just showing up," according to Woody Allen. Do you think he was able to show up because it was penciled into his planner?
