If any of you are
like me, school is not your only commitment. Maybe you are at a practicum or
internship site. Maybe you are holding down a job or two. Maybe you spend a lot
of time with friends and family (lucky!). Maybe you’re swamped with homework, getting
overwhelmed just looking at all they syllabi and due dates. I ABSOLUTELY felt
this way when the semester started. However, one obvious solution has been such
a blessing to me: a planner.
It seems so simple.
Of course we should use a planner to keep track of all those due dates and
events coming up. However, I use my planner for literally EVERYTHING. I put my
work schedule, my class assignments, things I have to pick up at the store, and
other to-do list items that come up all in my planner. Here are a couple of
tips I have to help make your planner useful:
1.
Color
coordination. Make each class a different color. Make work a separate color
from that. That way, let’s say you need to know when the next paper for
assessment or practicum is due, you can simply look for the corresponding
color.
2.
Nothing
is too little. It may seem tedious to put in that you have to watch a video
from a session, or you have to respond to D2L posts, but it will help you
remember and keep you motivated.
3.
Cross
things off. NOTHING is better than crossing things off after they’re done. That
in and of itself is a relieving feeling, so do it!
4.
Sticky
notes. Sometimes, depending on your planner, you may run out of room to put
something. Make quick use of sticky notes. Just keep it in check so there
aren’t dozens of them flying out of your planner.
5.
Format.
Make sure you get a good planner. They cost a little bit more but it will make
it worth it to help you stay organized. I recommend one that has months and
weeks laid out so you can see a snapshot of what is to come, especially if
there’s a bigger project coming up.
6.
Keep up
with it. When you first sit down and put everything in it, it can feel
overwhelming to see it all. Tackle things one at a time and remember to keep
adding to it as things come up. Your class project group needs a portion of the
project done by next week? Add that in there!
7.
Go out
and tackle it all. Magically, you planner can turn into your to-do list in
order to keep up with classes/commitments.
I hope this helps you
like it helps me. If you are interested, there is a website that gives you
another alternative to making a to-do list. Check it out! http://bulletjournal.com
Thanks,
Tyler!
