It sometimes feels like our homework, studying, projects, presentations, group work etc. will continue forever. For example, this week alone, I have three midterms, two papers due, and an 8 page paper to start and write. I wish we could stretch the hours of the day to about 100 so that I could have enough time to complete everything.
When I took out the sylabus’s for my classes and read everything that I had to do, I was extremely overwelmed and stressed out instantly. One of my teachers from last semester, who I was talking to the other day, had told me that I need to slow down and take things one step at a time. I thought about this for a moment and it actually makes sense. If you read over everything you need to complete, you will be frustrated and very overwhelmed, but if you take one thing at a time, read it over and start working on it, it actually isn’t too bad at all.
This past weekend, I went home for a few days. My dad had told me that he would help me with some work and the visual aspects of it as well. We sat down Saturday morning and tackled each step of an assignment, one at a time. Next, I completed my study guide for my midterm that I had this past Monday. And lastly, on Sunday, I started a huge portfolio project that I have to hand in at the end of this week. If you take one step at a time and even do one part each day, it is so much less stressful then looking at it all and then doing it all at once.
I feel that this would be beneficial with anything that we do whether it be schoolwork, on the job work, or in our daily lives with things that we need to accomplish. I know it was a simple statement, but it really made an impact in my life and it was the perfect time for me to learn this trait.
Today, I took out a study guide for an exam that I have tomorrow. This is not just any study guide, it is enormous! At first I was afraid and kept thinking to myself that I will never get it done, but then I calmed down and told myself, “one step at a time.” I split it into groups and completed small sections at a time. In no time, the study guide was complete with answers and I could use it to study at any time.
In college, we learn many things such as psychology, business, accounting, and sociology, but we also learn many valuable life skills along the way. This is one of those skills that I will always keep with me and use throughout my daily life.
So, the next time you are worried about a test or you have a major assignment to do, take a step back, calm down and break it up into pieces. You will feel so much better doing it this way, I sure did!
yah, i totally know what you mean with all the stress and stuff. Throwing a sport into the mix makes it a lot harder also. I’m sure you also probably have extra-curricular activities that you are involved in, and its hard to keep that penciled in to your schedule as well. Even having a significant other is difficult at times. I live off campus and my boyfriend lives on campus. even though we are on the swim team together it is very difficult for us to get to together to do things because of our busy schedule
But what you said about taking one step at a time is totally right. I am best friends with my agenda/planner thingy. I write everything in there and plan out which day I am going go do what work and at what time. I find for me that it is very helpful. But I guess it depends on your style. It’s good to play around with different strategies on how to stay organized and find what is right for you.