You get 24 hours in a day. Deciding how to utilize each of those hours to get the most out of your college experience can be fun, yet sometimes tricky.
Some people come by their organizational skills naturally. They are neat, punctual, and detailed. They tend to be the ones you notice who are always put together, never miss an assignment, and are constantly on top of the ball.
Others, not so much.
Being organized is a transferable skill that can be used in many real-life situations. For students, it is particularly important since it helps them prioritize activities, set and achieve goals and reduce stress. Having good organizational skills and knowing how to handle time management makes it easier to collaborate with others and helps increase productivity and efficiency.
Pressure can build as expectations increase on studies, being involved, working, volunteering, and still finding time for relaxation and enjoyment.
Here are 4 key elements on how juggle it all – and do it well!
- PIORITIZE
- You must decide what is the most important in your life. While in college, the goal is to obtain your degree. Yet, school is expensive so you will likely have to work. At the same time, you’ve gained a newfound freedom and a bunch of new friends. This balancing act must be handled daily, with all possibilities considered on when to study, when to work, and when to fit in time for fun.
- ORGANIZE
- Studies have shown that people who keep their lives neat and tidy feel less overwhelmed. Find a reliable planner or download an organizational app on your phone. Mark down your class schedule, work schedule, and activities. This will help you see the blank areas where you can plan for study or social time.
- SAY NO
- Saying no allows you to be in control of where you put your time and energy. I completely understand that can bring with it the possibility of conflict, confrontation, or disappointment. It’s often easy to say no and include an entire dialogue as a follow up on why you had to say no. Well – newsflash – but NO is a complete sentence. You do not owe anyone an explanation on why you cannot do something. You just can’t. They need to respect your time and energy and accept your answer. And vice versa if someone tell you no. Accept it and move on.
- REFUEL
- Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” It’s a reminder to take care of yourself. If you don’t, you won’t be able to participate in things the way you want. Burnout will settle in, making it difficult to get anything done, let alone with success. Take time to do something that fills up your tank, whether it be reading a fun book, hanging out with friends, going for a walk, or binge-watching your favorite TV show.
Being organized will make everything else in your life seem easier. It will help you get to work faster without wasting time looking for stuff. You’ll find study time to be concise and your learning capabilities to expand. Just like clearing the clutter on top of your desk, clear the clutter inside your head.
Prioritize – Organize – Say No – Refuel
It’s the key to success in obtaining your goals while in college.
