By: Alyssa Huey
Organizing is a strength of mine (for real, it’s a Gallup defined strength, ha!). When other five year olds were playing outside or with dollhouses I was carrying around my mom’s old FranklinCovey planner making to-do lists, scheduling conference calls, and planning meetings with my stuffed animals. Yes, I am weird. But my weird organizing strengths have come in handy during this confusing and unsettling time.
As a sophomore at Creighton University, my world has been turned upside down as many other college or high school students have experienced in this last week. I have found that I am really going to miss going to a physical classroom, meeting with groups for projects, and just walking into my business school building. I have resumed classes this week and thought I could share some tips and tricks to staying organized and on top of it for this last stretch of the semester.
First, you have to have a calendar of some sort whether it be an event calendar on Google or iCal or a physical written calendar. Again, I am weird so I have both. I like to organize my Google Calendar with class times, work hours, or any events. I find that scheduling my days keeps me in a routine like I would have been at school and helps me stay focused.
Tips to Having an Organized Calendar:
Create different colors for different subjects or tasks (my classes are light blue, my internship is bright purple, workouts are light purple, etc.)
Put task reminders for assignments, just for an extra added reminder
Schedule your days to keep a routine like one you would have at school or going to school
An example of my color-coding event organization:
I also have a written calendar on my iPad (my savior for organization), that helps me write down important due date assignments. The format I use is similar to that of a regular written planner and it helps me see the month’s work at a glance.
Tips to Having a Monthly Written Calendar:
Only write large assignments, exams, or projects (save the smaller assignments for a to-do list)
Come up with a color system so when you look at it your eyes are drawn to specific things (I highlight specific words such as Exam)
Find a calendar that fits you and you can read easily
An example of my monthly assignment calendar:
A large glance at the upcoming month is important to see what’s coming, but I also like to stay organized on a week by week basis. This keeps to-do lists and tasks on a check-off list instead of an event posting. I think writing a to-do list or task list is important, whether it be in a planner or just on a piece of paper, because it helps you to write down the tiniest details and then have the satisfaction of crossing it off when done.
Tips for Having a Weekly Planner:
Set broad goals for the week that are the most important to complete (large goals keep priorities in check)
Find a planner that is organized how your brain works, whether it just be a bulleted list or a side by side day lineup and to-do list
Write down anything and everything that you need to remember for that week
An example of my weekly planning:
A weekly planner is meant for scribbles and small tasks you need to complete each day. Don’t be afraid to word vomit on your weekly planner!
I do this planning to keep myself sane and in control of something during this time of disruption to keep a sense of normalcy in my life. I think if there’s one thing we can control right now it’s how we continue to live our lives as normal as possible with respect to the events going on around us. All of these organizational tips work for me and are best for me, but they may not be best for everybody.
Work to find what fits you the best and fulfills your online school needs!
I hope some of these organization tips helped you or even made you feel inspired to get back after it and grind it out for the remainder of the semester!!