Let's face it- there are million and one ways to organize your thoughts. You can jot them down, make a mental note, ask someone to remind you, or set an alarm that will accidentally go off during a test. My first semester of college I really just went with the flow. I wrote everything in my planner in pencil and left it at that. Now however I found that method to be confusing at times. When everything is in the same color I tend to overlook important things just because I can't tell that I need to do them!
Step 1: colors!
This semester I invested in a package of pretty colored pens in order to help me accomplish my goal of better organization. It seems to have really worked for me! The hardest part is refraining from quickly needing to write something down and writing something down in the wrong color. Once I established my color code I was well on my way to missing less deadlines.
Pink: Everything I absolutely need to get done by that day. This could include tests, homework, presentations, quizzes, or even doctor appointments.
Purple: I like to stay really involved on campus. I'm pretty well known among my friends as the go to person to ask about what there is to do on campus. Purple covers all campus activities including crafts, library nights, Christmas week activities, final's week activities, homecoming week activities, hall activities, or extra credit opportunities.
Dark Green: Now that I no longer play softball at my school, I like to add in extra workouts to my normal routine. At my school, we have free fitness classes and if we attend 20 we get a free t-shirt. Dark green keeps all of the fitness class times for the day in one place.
Light Green: Reminders to study are written in light green. A lot of the times I don't realize how close it is to a test until I'm right on top of it. By keeping these little reminders, I have it in the back of mind that I need to study earlier.
Blue: In blue I like to keep all of my personal notes. These could be date nights with Luke, birthdays, reminders to write letters, or that I need to make a phone call.
Orange: I use this one rarely, but it covers changes in the cafeteria's plans. Usually it's because we have to switch buildings due to faculty dinners or we're eating on the forum.
Black: In black I write my notes for class. These could include reminders that I need to have my laptop or that I need to ask a teacher a question.
When I first started my color coding I kept a sheet of paper in my planner to remind me which color went to what. However since I've been using it for a couple of months now I can easily write something down without having to remember which color is the correct one.
Step 2: It's not just enough to say that you are going to remember something. I've made that mistake too many times to count and have regretted it. If you think you need to write something down, do it the moment you find out about it and it will save you so much time in the long run.
Step 3: Personally I am a very hands on learner. One way that I help myself to remember things is to draw it or doodle next to the entry in order to make it stand out. I also like to make holiday's look festive with ghosts, Christmas trees and so forth!
Step 4: Be picky! One of my friends prefers to keep her planner on her phone while another likes to have a planner as big as a notebook. It all depends on what you like and you will only get the most out of what works best for you!
Whatever you find that works for you, stick with it! Even if it's as simple as leaving sticky notes around your dorm you are better off not messing with perfection. With these tips I've found that I manage time better as well as have more free time because I'm more on top of things!
What are some ways that have helped you to become a better student? Have you had to change them since you started highschool/college?
If this has helped or wasn't very helpful, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. I love to hear feedback!
