Why is it that at the end of the semester, everything always ends up due on the same day? My to-do list is more of a novel than a post-it, and it can be difficult to manage some semblance of balance in the last few weeks of the semester. Here are some things to try if, like me, you’re a little busy at the moment. I’ll try to keep it quick.
Get organized.
- Itemized To-Do Lists: I’m working, graduating, taking a full course load, applying for jobs, AND moving—all in the month of May. To stay on top of each deadline, I make separate to-do lists for each of these big-ticket items, and list each smaller step under the larger ones. Put them up somewhere where you’ll see them, like above your work space. This way you can keep track of every step you’ve taken toward your goal, rather than having the entire project hanging over your head. (Sometimes, I’ll put something I’ve already done on there, because it feels good to cross it off!)
- Example: Finish Class
- Weekly blackboard posts
- For 4/28
- For 5/1
- For 5/10
- Final Paper due 5/15
- Research topic
- Prospectus due on Blackboard 5/1
- Draft for peer review due 5/10
- Group?
- Peer review comments due 5/12
- Notes from peer review:
- Revise transitions
- Consider adding research on background
- Check APA
- Make appointment with writing studio?
- Turn in: 5/15
- On Blackboard too?
- Return books to library
- Notes from peer review:
- Weekly blackboard posts
- Example: Finish Class
- Post-It Method: Write each task on a post-it note, and stick them up somewhere you’ll see them often. Once a task is complete, recycle the post-it note. This works well for people who would rather see their list get smaller as tasks are completed, rather than seeing lots of crossed off items.
- Bullet Journal Method: If you’d rather your to-do list be portable, try keeping it in a journal. The Bullet Journal Method allows you to track larger tasks and schedule each step. It’s great if you’re balancing multiple deadlines with limited time. Best of all, you don’t need to buy a new planner, you just need a notebook of some kind. For information on how to set yours up, visit the website here.
- “GTD Method”: David Allen, author of Getting Things Done: the Art of Stress Free Productivity, explains his method for time management and task completion on his website and in his TEDtalk. Allen’s five steps to GTD are: 1) Capture 2) Clarify 3) Organize 4) Reflect 5) Engage.
- Syllabus: Revisit your syllabus, and cross of all the tasks that you’ve completed to get a full view of what you’ve done, and what you still need to do.
- Tech: There are tons of apps and websites that can help you organize your tasks and manage your time (I’m partial to Evernote). You can use what you already have, with your school Gmail Update the calendar with all your due dates, set reminders, and create a to-do list that you can access from your phone or computer.
Don’t add on.
- Table some things for later: Make a list of the things on your list that can be put off until after the semester is over. Do you really need to plan your vacation this week? Does your dog absolutely have to go to the vet on Thursday, or can you reschedule? What about that dinner party? Get your responsibilities down to a minimum so that when you do have the time to do them, you’ll actually enjoy it.
- Block out distractions: I downloaded an extension (WasteNoTime) to limit my time on various time-sucking websites to 10 minutes a day (including email!). You can also delete apps from your phone so that you don’t waste time scrolling mindlessly.
- Set realistic expectations: Let family and friends know that your next few weeks will be busy, so that there are no hurt feelings or unrealistic expectations of your time.
- Optimize your time: As soon as I need to write a big paper, my junk drawer suddenly looks like a very necessary thing to organize. Getting out of the house helps to minimize this kind of “productive procrastination.” Stake out a study room in the library, a booth in your local coffee shop, or anywhere else where you won’t be tempted to distract yourself with other tasks. In the same vein, find the best time of day for you to get things done and maximize it.
Embrace it.
- Make stress your friend: Hey! You have things to do. Isn’t that exciting? Not everyone gets to do this. Own it, enjoy it, let it propel you forward. Kelly McGonigal’s “How To Make Stress Your Friend” and Daniel Levitin’s “How To Stay Calm When You Know You’ll Be Stressed” are two great TEDtalks that can help you do this.
- Get into it! At the Graduate Writing Studio we know that hardest part is getting started, and once you do, you usually flow through the assignment. If you haven’t picked on up on my writing style yet… surprise! Here’s a TEDtalk to prove my point.
- Set a reward: You’ve been working hard, so don’t forget to reward yourself. Setting a big reward for finishing a task helps me stay focused and inspires me to keep trying. It can be big, like a weekend trip, or small, like treating yourself to your favorite bad-but-so-good drink at that coffee place that always has a line around the block (I’m looking at you, DutchBros).
Good luck! And, as always, the Graduate Writing Studio is here all week to help.
By: Tricia Savelli