10 STEPS TO ORGANIZATION AT COLLEGE
Organization: Putting First Things First
Time pressure is a major source of stress for many people. Organization
doesn't make more hours in the day, but it can reduce time pressure by
making it easier to get done what needs done and freeing up time for other
things. In addition, chances are good you'll feel better as you accomplish
things and increase your sense of personal control. Listed below are some
tips to improve your organizational skills:
1.
2.
3.
Start by uncluttering your work area. Clear your
work surface of files, books, and loose papers
since they can distract you from what needs to
be done. Staying tidy takes a fraction of the time
you will waste if distracted
Allow enough desk space to work comfortably on on
assignment or project at a time without distractions.
Use one calendar to track all import reminders notes,
tasks, tests, assignments and even social events.
An effective tracking system can help reduce the
stress of trying not to forget, and also the stress of
dealing with the consequences of no getting
something done.
4. Create a master list on paper or computer that
prioritizes and updates every pending assignment or
project; use whatever method holds your attention.
10 STEPS TO ORGANIZATION AT COLLEGE:
Organization: Putting First Things First
5.
Avoid interruptions that can rob you of time
and momentum. When a project or assignment
requires special attention, escape to a quiet
area to work more effectively.
6. Delegate tasks when you can, since trying to do
everything can be overwhelming
7. Think before you keep a piece of paper since most of what
you keep for later use won't be needed again. The "OHIO
Rule" reduces clutter and makes organization easier. "Only
Handle It Once"
8. Know your personal limits and say no when need to.
9. Take a few minutes at the end of each day to
clear your work area and plan for the next day.
Planning what really must get done - and how and
when to do it - can help you know how to spend your
time and energy, as well as minimize anxiety about
deadlines.
10 STEPS TO ORGANIZATION AT COLLEGE:
Organization: Putting First Things First
Keep in Mind...
•
Review your schedule at the start of each week to make sure you have allocated
enough time to do what needs done that week.
•
List what you need to do each day, balancing work and fun.
•
Allocate time for each subject. Cramming is stressful and usually produces poorer
performance and results.
•
Break large tasks into small steps, scheduling each step into your planner. This
strategy makes those difficult tasks less overwhelming.
•
Prioritize your tasks by what is most important to do. Rank tasks from "necessary to
do" to "can wait for later."
•
Schedule in breaks so you don't burn out or work inefficiently because you are too
fatigued to do your best.
•
Use time between classes to study so your evenings will be free for fun
•
Procrastination usually takes more energy in the long run than just doing the task.
•
Remember your life goals. They can provide motivation and can help prioritize.
10 STEPS TO ORGANIZATION AT COLLEGE:
Organization: Putting First Things First
Overcoming Procrastination
•
Don’t wait until you are “in the mood”. There is no perfect time, so stop waiting for it.
•
Be realistic and don’t aim for perfection. Write down the basic information needed
for the task. Plan to revise and fine tune it later.
•
Schedule regular down time for recreation, exercise, and socializing with friends.
•
Keep reminding yourself that you CAN do it! You’ve done it before successfully and
you can again. Think of strategies that worked before when you were successful
and use them now.
•
Eat healthy foods and get enough sleep. Most adults function best on 7-8 hours of
sleep nightly. Getting less than 6.5 hours nightly impairs your memory and ability to
concentrate.
•
If an assignment doesn’t seem relevant to you, remember your life goals. They can
provide motivation and helps to prioritize.
Repoduced and Reprinted with Permission from University of Kansas
Psychology and Counseling Services.
California State University Bakersfield, Office of the Dean of Student Life, August 31,
2007