Let’s see how Dash goes with organising his homework…
Do you feel like you’re always playing the “Catch Up” game? Like you’re continually chasing your tail and getting more and more swamped with what you know you probably could get done much more easily, but not knowing where to get started? Sick of running around, but not really achieving anything?
Let’s separate the issues that might come into play here:
- “Busy Brain” When your brain is going at 100km an hour in a hundred different directions, it’s virtually impossible to get any one thing fully completed. Slow down for a minute! STOP and THINK about what you’re doing, write a list and use strategies to work through what you’re doing step by step.
- Lack of Organisation… is a very big issue that underpins a lot of very good students’ work. Choose one small area to work on, whether it’s filling in a diary, cleaning out your school bag or setting up a place you can study. Set up rewards for keeping that area clean and organised for a week, two weeks, a month and beyond.
- Lack of Systems. Having a simple system for things like loose sheets of paper is really beneficial. It’s just a small thing, but knowing where all your assignment sheets are kept will have a big impact on so many other areas of your life. Try expandable files for ease and convenience.
- Mindset… If you really want to get something done, it will happen. If you’re not really fussed then… it probably won’t.
You might have difficulty with one or all of the above. Analysing WHY you can’t seem to find anything or get anything done is a great first step. Be honest, but take care not to beat yourself up about your weaknesses. Say, “I would benefit from a system with my loose sheets”, rather than, “I’m so hopeless with finding my assignment sheets”.
Always feeling overwhelmed by everything you have to do is not a great feeling. Taking small steps towards making things easier and better and feeling like you’re achieving something is an amazing experience.
REMEMBER: Small changes can make an enormous impact. All you need to do is make that tiny first step by saying, “I am making my first small change”.
