Control the volume

Being a Success at School is not about killing yourself with work, it is about controlling the volume. Those who are not successful let the volume take over. We have all heard sayings like the longest journey begins with a single step. At school, life is so busy that the volume of work to be done gradually adds to a small number of tasks, bit by bit. It sneaks up on you; English essay, history reading, science report, maths problems, art assignment, sport schedule and on it goes. Sneaky, very sneaky until the pile is so big you are swamped and don't know where to begin. Have you seen the pile of work build from something easy to take care of to a vast and complex pile of pain? You are not alone.

We agree that Success at School is important if we are to keep future options open and make sure we have a strong start to our career. Right? Right. So, how do we keep from overload. Time Management is one way. Time management is a skill we are already working on as we go. Another way is to track what is required of us as we get it.

Track what is required of us as we get it? That's right. How? Where? By now you should have a decent notebook you are using for Time Management. Notice I did not say use a diary for time management. Wrong purpose. In your Success at School notebook. Yes that's right. Get it out and write somewhere on it 'Success at School' so your brain will know the purpose of the book and the purpose of putting stuff in it. This book is where you can get creative if you wish. Remember we simplified all stationery in getting ourselves organised? Here you can let your hair down a bit. But keep it simple.

Go to the back of the notebook and start using it to record everything you are given that will take your time and require some effort. Get a list going now. Have a small column on the left for priority, next column to describe the task, next for any due date. That's all you need. When a job is done tick the first column. Record detail carefully each time something new is given to you. When I get to the bottom of a page, I like to take everything not done onto the next page, so that nothing is lost. The idea is to get rid of stuff on each page as quickly as possible. Your list stays fresh. Rewriting has the reinforcing effect of another reminder that something may have been on the list too long. Time to do it. Go on. Feel good about your successes, reward yourself each time something is taken off the list of 'to do' and becomes a 'done'. Sweet knowledge that is. Small reward, don't get too carried away.

 Keep a close eye on the volume of work you have been given. Stay aware of it by writing it down. Keep the record of it for future reference. You never know when it may prove useful. Keep the notebook with you, so it will not be huge, but will be of good quality. A quality book makes you feel that what you are putting in it is important. Locks your planning skills onto getting it done. Just buy a nice notebook but well within budget. Read and update your book every day. Without fail. I'll know if you don't.

Good luck. All success to you. Have a great day