How can I be more responsible and organized?
I'm now a freshman in highschool, and most of my schedule is IB classes. I was told the curriculum will be very hard. So I wanted to ask if you guys have any tips or advice to how I can be more organized and time efficient ? I want to manage my time better and be able to turn work in on time. When I was a 8th grader that was my weakest factor, So I wanted to work on that.
5 answers
Michelle’s Answer
This is a good question because it means that at 15, you are ready to step up your organizational and learning skills and that is wonderful ! Exploring ways to use your time efficiently will lead to better learning comprehension and more confidence with studying and taking tests.
Although the current online websites and phone apps help many, many people with this, perhaps you need a beginning that utilizes something different other than typing and having it disappear. Perhaps something also on a larger visual scale might help you at this specific time. This is why I would recommend using a hard copy appointment book which is available on you at any given time, a hard copy To Do List which can be hung on your wall in your room. Perhaps you need a different experience that will be convenient and require more action from you. This means writing out in your own handwriting.
The action of writing things in your handwriting gives you a different visual intake that may help you retain things such as due dates and appointments in an appointment book. It's quick, it's easy and does go against the grain of today's electronic typing and click to the next app or website and having your attention taken away. You can use the online and phone tools once you see an improvement in the skills you want to improve. I would even go to the extent in saying that you should take many class notes in a notebook that you write in. Save the computer for typing term papers or reports. Just for now, for a while. Writing things out by hand will connect the information to your memory. It engages multiple brain activity and at the same time gives you better memory.
For a To Do List, make a handwritten list of things you must do within 48 hours. Once you have done a task on the list, check it off or cross it out. As you literally see all the accomplished tasks it will motivate you to stay on time, finish tasks and be on time for anything you have scheduled. This is good for assignment deadlines, projects, activities at school as well as social activities and events. Use Pinterest to find cool ways to design your To Do List or print one directly from that website.
Think of the unwanted results of not being organized or using your time beneficially. Make a list of the things that might happen if you neglect your studies or don't keep track of important information. When you think about it, you will be inspired to try any method that will help you make good choices for your time. Think about the things and the people who most often distract you from getting things done and try to counteract it.
You can buy an appointment book at any stationary/book store or online.
There is every reason in the world to be on time, have schedules for studying and doing your assigned homework and projects, not just because someone said something will be hard. There's nothing wrong with replacing socializing with studying. You will meet friends that understand and there actually will always be time to hang out and do something or nothing. Your school work is an investment in your future but most of all, it is shaping the person you are now, so it is important and you can do it !
I wish you all the best !
Rebecca’s Answer
Below are my suggestions :
1. Put down the time you need to attend the class
2. Assign some time everyday to have do some assignment, projects, etc. Review the class material covered in the day. If you have any question, ask the teacher on the next class day.
3. Make sure you have enough time to sleep and do some exercise
4. You can allocate some time for leisure and family & friends gathering on weekend
5. Allocate more time to do revision before assessment
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Kevin P’s Answer
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, for a long time I used an index card. after accidentally leaving them in my pants pocket one too many times during laundry I moved on to simply pulling up “notes” on my iPhone. It’s a running list. Each day I make a new one. Then I have a separate one for my weekend to get chores done. I check them off as I get them done.
Certain days I’m kind to myself and I don’t make a list. But it’s shocking how my life truly changed by doing this. I started craving checking things off. Others noticed my productivity and I’ve actually shared this simple practice with others. Some go all out with fancy calendars and ways to keep this list. Anything works to keep you on track.
Here is an important step, always put “make the bed” the first thing on the list. It sets a positive tone for the day. Regardless how bad the day gets, you have one task accomplished. Giving you hope for the next day. It seems silly but sometimes it’s the biggest motivation you can give yourself.
Always be kind to yourself. Make that number 2. You won’t always complete your list. That’s okay. This isn’t about adding stress it’s about keeping you on track.
You got this.
deborah’s Answer
I put all due dates on a calendar, then each week I make a to-do list for assignments and which days they may be due. then, each morning, i write a quick to-do list on a Post-It note of work I must get done that day.
There are paper calendar planners (see link). You could also use Google calendar and docs, if you prefer online.
deborah recommends the following next steps:
Morris’s Answer
Consider creating a timeline of key milestones you need to achieve, and begin to organize your days and time to ensure you meet these milestones. If you are aware of having eight quizzes throughout the year and their respective dates, collaborate with your teacher for additional support. Plan out the days and time required to study effectively for these quizzes.
Don't hesitate to use tools like Google Calendar or similar apps to set reminders and notifications. This will help you stay focused on achieving your goals.
Morris recommends the following next steps: