We’re a month into the fall quarter now and I wish I had a nickel for every time I hear someone say how busy and stressed they are. In making these statements there is usually a melodramatic display of eye rolling, sighing and hand gesticulation. Sometimes, the person will run down a list of all of the things they are so busy doing. Five minutes later, they again complain about how little time they have to do all the stuff that is required of them. I would say that I understand, but frankly I don’t. Yes, we have responsibilities. No, we are not dying from them. At least I’m not. Here’s why: I manage my time.
Time management is not some mystical, magical concept that defies reality or logic. It’s pretty much a matter of organizing my tasks and allotting enough time to the completion of each. It’s just that simple. However, it can be pretty difficult if the truth is ignored. Yes, the truth. That involves me being able to honestly admit to myself what I can and can not do, what I do and do not want to do, and what I should and should not do.
For example, I can and do want to get an A in my writing classes. I also do want to go out every Friday night and get drunk on dirty vodka martinis while dancing to 70’s music. However, I should not go out every Friday night and get wasted. Doing so will cause me to sleep in on Saturday, thus causing a deficit in my Saturday morning happy studies/happy home routine. I make a concession to party one Friday a month; I give myself the hours I need to pimp out both my house and my studies; and I get the A.
I don’t just say no to partying. I also say no to stretching myself too thin. I volunteer for just one or two extra-curricular activities instead of everything. When I have an extra amount of free time between classes or assignments, I get the jump on the next assignment and stack up free time on the back end. On my job, I get homework or reading done on my lunch break. Most importantly, I never wait until the last minute to do what needs to be done. I attack the task right away. I also ask for help when I need it.
Now, this may sound like some new-age psycho babble but I don‘t care. I refuse to talk about how busy I am nor do I talk about how stressed I am. That kind of talk doesn’t really help. Instead, I say that I am working on my tasks or I’m getting things done. In switching the language I use, I change my mindset. Instead of being a student drowning in a sea of assignments, I am a student who is kicking those assignments in the butt and taking names.
My fellow busy students, we matriculate at a fantastic school. SCAD isn’t here to mow us down. It’s here to lift us up. If you have just taken the time to read this then you should also take a few minutes to contact our Student Resources Center for more assistance with managing your time and workload. Believe me. They are more than happy to assist you.
