As the end of the first quarter of school is rapidly approaching, students are settling in with their packed schedules. Whether a student is solely focused on academics, has a job, or plays multiple sports, it can be difficult to keep schoolwork organized. Not only can it be difficult, it can also be overwhelming trying to remember which assignments need to be completed, when they are due, and how long it will take to finish them. To help ensure that all assignments are done on time while still maintaining a position in a sport or job, here are some tips on how to stay organized with a busy schedule.
If someone is new to organizing and listing their requirements, the best way to start is by getting a calendar. Whether it is a physical calendar or one kept on a phone or computer, it can help remind you of the classes, activities, or work times scheduled that day. A Google Calendar would be a good option because it allows multiple calendars for different tasks. On the calendar, it would be beneficial to color-code as well based on the type of class it is, the due date, or the type of activity (Landis). Adalyn Brown, a sophomore at Lewis Cass High School, said that a calendar can help remind her of events she has throughout the month.
The next tip to help stay organized is to learn to “establish a routine.” A routine can help provide stability within your life when tasks in your schedule can get hectic. In order to create a routine, make a daily schedule that shows school hours, work hours, and athletic hours in order to map out how much time is needed for assignments or projects that need to be completed. “Consistent routines help manage your time effectively and reduce decision fatigue,” (Young Professionals Network). Maleigh Deeter, a freshman at Lewis Cass High School, stated, “It gets easier to stay organized once you have a routine, because you know what to do each day.”
The last few tips are to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and make sure the area where homework or assignments are completed is clean and free of clutter. In order to prioritize the tasks, go by due date, importance, and the time it takes to complete. Having a long essay page due in two days should have a greater priority over a shorter assignment due in a week. Completing more important and longer tasks can help reduce stress in the long run because “the most urgent work is already complete” (Indeed Editorial Team). Next is setting realistic goals. If the goal is to start the essay on Wednesday night and it is due on Thursday night, stress might play a key factor in trying to complete the assignment, causing thoughts and ideas to become unorganized in the process. Always set goals in a realistic time frame. While aiming high for goals can be a good thing, aiming too high could end up leading to failure (Young Professionals Network). The last tip is to make sure the workspace for doing assignments is clean and organized. As the Young Professionals Network states, “A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind.” Cleaning up the desk or table before beginning work can help keep a person focused, and it can give a sense of control over the work.
To get a student perspective, Adalyn Brown was able to share her point of view on staying organized. “I think it is important to stay organized because it helps you stay on task with what needs to be completed and what has already been completed.” She explained how she was able to give her a sense of accomplishment, having to rely more on herself instead of family or friends, and staying organized is helping her prepare for the independence in her future. Maleigh Deeter also explained how being in sports and keeping her routine helps her stay more organized because it helps to “manage time, be on schedule, and keep track of things.” One more tip shared by Adalyn for younger students is to keep a list, on a piece of paper or an online platform, of everything that needs to be finished that day. That way, students can stay on top of all tasks and not have to try to remember all the assignments from the day.
Being able to stay organized will not only help today or this week, but it will also help in the future. Whether you are a senior going to college or a middle school student getting ready to enter high school, organizing activities and assignments can help students have better time management, management over stress, and a cleaner headspace overall. Staying organized is always beneficial, and the sooner you start, the sooner your routine becomes easier.
