How old are you right now? How many lessons, exactly, has life taught you so far?
Your answer is probably something like, "too many."
Lately, I've felt like I'm in a slow but continuous downward spiral with each new issue that enters my life.
I'm trying to do well in school as a full-time student while also juggling 2 part-time retail jobs, attend meetings and appointments, and keeping up with my romantic relationship with my boyfriend. It's a lot and takes a toll on me both physically and mentally.
Over time, I've learned some of the ups and downs, the inside outs and the right sides in of life. I still have a ton of ground to cover, but when I'm in a rut like I am, there are 3 things I try to keep in mind in order to flake myself out of it and get back on track.
To keep a positive vibe going, I've decided to live by these 3 things until I have a more solid foundation to stand on.
1. Map everything out.
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I try to organize as much as possible so that I don't mix anything up. Since I have 5 classes and 2 jobs, I want to keep them each separate from one another and know when I'm needed where. I've decided to use one planner book for work and one for school. This way, I can log each work shift and color code it so that I know which store I'm working and what time/which type of shift.
As for my classes, I also color code so that I know which class needs the most attention that day or that week.
Getting organized can be one of the easiest and most fun things to do. Picking out an agenda book and getting colorful pens to write in it with is the most pleasing and enjoyable part for me, being the perfectionist that I am. Everything must be in uniform.
2. Put forth all of what you have.
Photo by Sarah Cervantes on Unsplash
Though it feels like time drags on and like you're losing your energy (all of my fellow college students who just started their spring semester too, this one's for you), managing meaningful work and enough work ethic to get you by and also to excel is the best for you. Laziness and procrastination can and may catch up to you, but don't let them win. Be the bigger person and get your homework out of the way for the week. Study your butt off for that exam because it's going to matter later what you've retained from the class. You'll get out of everything what you put into it.
3. Have your own back.
Sometimes people back out of things. Whether that be avoiding a coffee date, not signing a lease for an apartment as a remaining roommate or not being your date to your formal event, it happens. This is where planning accordingly comes in.
Often I find that others get busy with their own lives and forget that you want to be involved. To be able to see and visit with them, go out and have fun together, etc. We get so absorbed into things and we slip up on keeping our word for (theoretically) big things.
I now make sure that if a friend or family member (or loved one) backs out of something, I have an alternative or a different plan that I can go forth with myself. Others have lives too and I can't 100% depend on what someone says based on their tentative plans that week. Things change. Life changes. Sh*t happens.
Don't doubt yourself in such a situation or think less of yourself when you get flaked on. It has nothing to do with you. And if it does, then they don't deserve your friendship or companionship.
Mind your own, take note and stay organized. 3 things that couldn't be explained in short. Be individualistic and dependent on yourself and life becomes so much more rewarding.
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