How was last semester for you?
Did you easily breeze through, flitting from class to class, turning in perfectly completed assignments that your professors praised profusely, all with perfect makeup and a manicure?
OR
Did you feel so overwhelmed that you rushed from class to class, looking like a drowned, harassed rat, somehow managing to type up and print out assignments just as they were due, all while driving around in a car that hasn't had an oil change in 9 months with half of your closet in the backseat? #nojudgment
Oh, you want to know how my fall semester went? It would be that second one.
Did you easily breeze through, flitting from class to class, turning in perfectly completed assignments that your professors praised profusely, all with perfect makeup and a manicure?
OR
Did you feel so overwhelmed that you rushed from class to class, looking like a drowned, harassed rat, somehow managing to type up and print out assignments just as they were due, all while driving around in a car that hasn't had an oil change in 9 months with half of your closet in the backseat? #nojudgment
Oh, you want to know how my fall semester went? It would be that second one.
Starting a new job at a new school in a new school system had me completely overwhelmed. So overwhelmed, in fact, that it reminded me of my first semester of college:
My first semester of college went a little like this: I was super excited about the first day of class, then the semester started and I don't remember anything else until Christmas.
My first semester of teaching in public school went a little like this: I was super excited about the first day of class, then the semester started and I don't remember anything else until Christmas.
(I told you they were similar).
So, THIS is the time to set ourselves up for success over the next semester! We know what to expect, we have a general idea of how long things take and the general expectations that we're held to. It's time to prepare for a kick-butt spring semester! Are you ready?!
Let�s get started, shall we?
First, always, always, always start with a goal!
Your goal will guide everything you do. Keep your focus on that goal and you will take intentional steps to achieve it! Organized Charm is literally filled with posts about goal-setting, from how to determine them, to how to write them, to how to follow through with them!
Second, as they say, a goal without a plan is just a wish.
So get yourself a beautiful new planner! I just happen to know of a great one ;) Everyone is different and different types of planners work for different people. Really do your research before committing to one and make sure it works best for YOU!
Third, what left you feeling overwhelmed last semester?
For me, I kind of hated how messy I let my home get. I hated it that I sacrificed workout time for my work schedule (as in, I literally have not worked out since Daylight Savings Time ended). And I really hated it that I spent less time with my husband than I used to. So, for the new semester, I�m working on ways to not let those parts of my life get pushed aside. Remind yourself that school/work is only a PART of your life. It isn�t your life.
Fourth, take action now!
If you know that something will be challenging to do once school has started, then get it done now! Once the new semester starts, I won�t have time to get my oil changed or go to the dentist, so those are tasks that I can cover over the break. Of course, enjoy your break, but also deal with stuff that will stress you out once you�re back in school!
Fifth, designate checkpoints!
I don�t know how it�s possible but semesters seem to simultaneously fly by AND drag on at the same time. When you�re in the middle of it, it can feel really overwhelming, so set some checkpoints to keep you motivated! They can be short-term goals or little motivational reminders on your phone or in your planner! Anything to remind you that you�re on the right track, even when you feel like you aren�t making any progress.
The best way to prepare for the new semester is just to do as much planning as possible! For every minute you spend planning, you save yourself 11 minutes in the future!
And in the midst of the chaos of a new semester, those 11 minutes will be gold! :)
Follow Organized Charm on Pinterest for daily inspiration!
{ 0 comments... read them below or add one }
Post a Comment