I can handle this. I’ve got a frat meeting at 5 p.m., a movie date at 7 p.m. and a history final tomorrow morning. I have to do laundry, hit the ATM for some cash, get mom a birthday card and… Aaaaah! Maybe I can’t handle this!
Unless you love life on the emotional edge, losing control of your day can make you crazy. Fortunately, getting a grip on your daily game plan requires only a little time and even less expense.
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT Becoming organized starts with recognizing your need to organize. That means realizing that college is not just a bigger version of high school. In high school, routines are often set by your parents, your school and the rising and setting of the sun.
In college, your first class may begin at 7:30 a.m. and your last end at 10 p.m. Lunch, dinner and sleep have to fit somewhere in-between. Failure to organize could send you packing without your degree.
ACCESS YOUR CURRENT TIME USE Once you decide to organize, it’s time to examine how you spend or squander your time. Dissect your days. Write down everything in a pocket notebook. At the week’s end, divide a blank sheet of paper into two columns: “goal meeters” and “goal avoiders.” Place your week’s activities into the appropriate column.
SETTING PRIORITIES Once you pinpoint wasted time, it’s time to set priorities. Put your academics first. That doesn’t mean fun isn’t important. As a matter of fact, having fun is essential. But it needs to be placed in perspective. After you spend time studying, doing laundry or finishing a reading assignment, that game of Frisbee becomes a “goal meeter” that recharges you after a day’s work.
TO DO LISTS A “to do” list can help you meet assignments, chores and other commitments. Although pre-printed pads are available, blank printer paper works just as well to create a list. Create one “to do” list and make enough copies for a month. Don’t go crazy with grids and subcategories-putting the date, day and some lines on the paper is enough. Hang that list in a strategic spot and refer to it daily. Do everything on the list!
PERSONAL ORGANIZER Having contact information at your fingertips makes scheduling and confirming appointments easier. Personal organizers or day planners can help you. The price of organizers range from $10 to over $50. All contain alphabetized sheets for addresses, phone numbers and other vital information. There are scores of computerized organizers that handle contacts with varying success and complexity, but all suffer one fatal flaw. They are all subject to computer crashes. If your hard drive dies, so does important information. Paper-based organizers are your best crash protection.
WALL CALENDAR Wall calendars are one of the simplest and most overlooked organizing tools. If a full-blown organizer is beyond your budget, note appointments on your calendar. A calendar’s numbered grids can remind you of important dates and times even if you do have an organizer. Let your calendar be the first thing you see in the morning. Mark important dates with bright markers and fun notes. Pick a calendar with graphics that grab your attention.
ELIMINATE CLUTTER Clutter- an excess of both things and people- can distract you from your goals. Use too many sticky notes and you’ll feel overwhelmed. Too many people calling on the phone can also drag you toward more diversions. Clear your desk of notes; they belong on your day planner and list instead. Give old magazines away. Keep only a few pens or pencils in a handy cup or drawer. Keep only what you need on your desk and do the same for the rest of your room.
As for people, rid yourself of so-called friends who steer you toward those goal-avoiding activities. Control your phone time with an answering machine or by saying that you can’t talk— and meaning it.
TAKE EFFECTIVE NOTES Trying to decipher scribbled, disorganized notes is a major waste of time. Practice writing neatly. Take a class or pick up a book on how to take effective notes or study the pages of someone whose notes you envy to see what works. Ask them to help you improve your skills.
REDUCE STRESS Stress kills motivation. Daily “to do” lists should include at least half an hour of quiet time. Listen to relaxing music, read for pleasure, watch ripples on a nearby pond- do anything to focus attention away from your commitments. Think of it as emotional refueling.
Once organization is part of your daily routine, your routine becomes just that: routine. You will feel less stress, classes will seem easier and social activities will become fun again. You will be in control of your life. What a rush!
