~How To Deal With: A Busy Schedule~
You're at that age where you've got a billion things to do. Planning is not your best area, but all the sudden Mom and Dad tell you that you need to take responsibility. You've got to now balance homework, your friends, karate, dance, swimming, soccer, art, and a website. You've got a hectic life as it is and now on top of all that, you need to keep track of things? This is nuts! How can you deal with a busy schedule? What kind of planning should you use? What's the benefit of prioritizing?
First off, you wake up every morning. You know right off what kind of day you're gonna have, right? Wrong! You can wake up feeling cruddy and things can pick up, or you can wake up like a sunny, happy, go-lucky kid and be miserable by the end of the day. Why's this? Sometmes you just can't deal with your schedule. So, it's important to make out a realistic schedule of the day.
Right now, I'd like you to go get your personal calendar from your room. Look at today's date. What's written underneath it? Some person's phone number? A smiley face? Nothing? Use your calendar like a partner in crime. There are seven days a week. Aim to conquor at least 5 of them. On the weekdays write what you are going to do--get this-- before you do it. This kind of planning doesn't make you a psychic, it makes you prepared. Statistically, kids and adults who have clear, neat schedules are more likely to be punctual and succeed. Effeciency doesn't come easy to all; it's harder for some than others. Yes, being effecient takes effort, but it is all worth it in the end.
You may have so much going, though. Maybe you could cut back on somethings. Your parents want you to succeed, but they don't want you to suffer burn-out. If you can't juggle it all, tell your parents that. Don't say you can't do your homework. That's important, so do it! But, something extra, like an after-school class that isn't required, may need to be cut from your schedule. You know what your limit is. If you are doing too much, try and cut back on the less important things so that you have energy for what is important.
Which brings us to that terrible "p" word: PRIORITIZE. I know you don't want to do it... but you are going to have to. Especially in this hectic world today, you need to find what's really important and put it on top. Finish your homework first then hang with your friends then get on the computer. Work things out in a logical order, as much as "logical" seems to go against your brain pattern. You are unique and different, but that doesn't mean you have to be disorganized. Try this right now. Get a piece of paper and write a list of all the things you have to do this week. Put them in order of importance. That's called prioritizing. If you can get a knack for that, you can do anything!
In a crazy-iPod-Bluetooth-everybody's-got-a-laptop-gotta-have-the-latest-flip-phone-caramel-expresso-latte-fashion-guru-world, it's easy to get left behind on what's new. (I can't even follow it all.) But, really, do you need to have the latest of everything? Should you spend your babysitting money on a new Gameboy (even though you have one from last year) instead of on something important? It's tough being a kid that has to make decisions, but it's the new trend--kids think for themselves. (I don't support this thinking. Always consult your parents and never make a rash decision alone. I'm merely giving tips, but I'm not prescribing anything, so don't eat me if something goes wrong.)
If you are going to think at all, think wisely. You don't have to be a studious, proper mini-adult--you can still be a kid-- but think before you act. But, please, please, dear, don't stress yourself out! Have fun in life, be random and creative. The one with a good sense of humor gets ahead!
A day-by-day calendar will help you figure out your crazy schedule. A sound mind will help you to plan events, and your schedule, and not get stressed over it. You need to exercise balance in what you do. I respect kids that realize they have too much going on and quit art class for a while, even if they love it. Sometimes you just need to have a little space, cut back temporarily, and wait for things to smooth out again. That's okay. We'll understand. Just don't leave your friends and family behind. Always have one thing in life that is constant--one thing you hold dear that you'll never let go-- and you'll get through this crazy world just fine.
I'll be making a little printable calendar with room for you to plan stuff in. This'll help you to keep ahead of the game and the rush of life so you don't get left behind with burnout. Release date: 2009
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