We all lead busy lives. (I know...duh.) We have many responsibilities to ourselves and others that take up a good deal of our time. Having a full-time job, a spouse or significant other, kids, going out with friends, volunteer activities, caring for a sick family member...all of these contribute to our very full schedules. Don't you sometimes wonder how we get it all done in the 168 hours we're alloted every week?
When we make the decision to pursue a college education, we're adding a HUGE task to juggle with the rest. How do college students manage to keep all the balls in the air? The truth is, they can't and don't, and in all honesty, they shouldn't expect to. Some things simply have to take a back seat when you go to college. For reals.
I realize that statement is one you probably didn't want to hear. We're expected to "do it all" and "git 'er done," and be all things to all people, but it's virtually impossible when you choose to come to college. So how does one make the best of it? There are three keys to getting everything done with your sanity intact: setting priorities, time management, and organization.
Setting priorities is the first thing to do. Make a list of everything that you have to do in any particular week. Include things like work, commuting to work and campus, the kids' activities, class time, laundry, sleep, study time, household chores, grocery shopping, recreational activities, etc. Then put a "1" next to the five most important things that must be done by you--in other words, no one else can do it. (Note: it is assumed that "doing well in and finishing college" is a "1.") Put a "2" next to the three important tasks that you need to do, but with less urgency. Finally, put a "3" next to the three tasks that, if you didn't do them, your life wouldn't fall apart. Now...do you have any items that didn't get assigned a number? Delegate these to a family member or friend, or perhaps they can be put on hold indefinitely.
Time management is the next hurdle to tackle. You will need a weekly planner, and a monthly calendar that you can hang on the wall. Now that you have your tasks prioritized, you can begin to schedule them (yes, I said schedule) in your planner and on the wall calendar. Start with the "1's" and then the "2's". When finding study time in your week, remember to allow 2 hours of study for every credit you're taking. If you're registered for 15 credits, you need to find 30 hours every week to study; six credits requires 12 hours of study time. Take all of your course syllabi (outlines) and write in all of your quizzes, exams, and research paper due dates. If you have kids who are school-aged, include their vacation weeks (be sure you have reliable child-care--and a reliable backup--because our college vacations do not coincide with the public school calendars).
Take a look at your planner. Is there enough time to get your priority tasks done? Yes? Great. No? Then you need to go back to your priority list and either get rid of something or delegate it for someone else to do. Do you need to cut your hours at work? Will you have to turn down the invitation to be your kid's homeroom parent? Say no to going out every Saturday night, shopping or taking a trip?
You may find sticking to this super-tight schedule to be difficult because you're not accustomed to it. It will help if you make a habit of looking at your calendar at least 3 times each day: when you first wake up, in the middle of the day, and after dinner. If you stay with it, in time it will feel like second nature...eventually you won't be able to function without your planner! (If you need additional assistance with time management, visit the Learning Center in Elston 528.)
The last step is getting organized. Now that you know how your time is being spent each week, choose a day (Sunday, perhaps?) to get ready for the rest of the week. Put together the clothes you and your kids will wear each day so no time will be wasted wondering what to put on. Get your backpack ready so you can walk out the door on time. Plan your meals and perhaps get acquainted with how to use a Crock-Pot, or cook all of your meals ahead of time so they can be warmed up later. Look over this week's schedule...do you have a quiz or a paper due? A doctor's appointment? Do you need to arrange transportation for yourself or the kids? Get all of your prep work for the week completed, so you'll feel less stressed and ready to tackle your busy schedule.
Another very important way to stay organized is to find a dedicated space where you will do homework, write your papers, complete reading assignments and study...uninterrupted. Whether it's in your home office, bedroom, the Learning Center or Library, find one place where you won't be bothered and go there when your schedule tells you to. It's absolutely impossible to get any school work done when the television is blasting, you're trying to get the kids to bed, or the phone won't stop ringing. You need a quiet space to help you do the best work you're capable of. One more thing...be sure you have everything you need to get your work done, such as paper, pens, textbook, laptop. Turn off the phone and get crackin'.
Coming to college will no doubt put you closer to your personal and career goals, but it is an enormous addition to our already-busy lives. Setting your priorities, effectively managing your time and staying organized will help keep most of the balls in the air.
QUESTION: How do you manage your life?
(c) 2011 Robyn M. Posson
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