It seems like other members of the studyblr community have endless lists of helpful pro tips for studying, working, and just general getting through the tough school and life stuff we all go through. Not me. Honestly, I’d love to think that I have a hundred different things for your to consider that have never crossed your mind, but I’ve read enough study tip posts to know that there’s nothing new in this world. So instead of introducing new concepts, let’s take a couple minutes to get a new perspective. That’s my favorite tool to offer: perspective. Who knew? Instead of trying to show you my top ten lists, I’m going to try to be as real as possible and show you some things in a way that changes it a little. Nothing radical, just simple POV stuff.
So today I wanted to address one of the most famous organization tips in the history of everything. How many of you make to-do lists? All of us. That is, all of us who need to see what has to get done written down somewhere. I, personally, have this obsessive need to schedule and plan and put pieces of time puzzles together. A long list is stressful looking, but at least then I know what I’m up against. That’s why one of my biggest time management tools is a to-do list. Oh sure, I use regular ones. You know, daily tasks and reminders. Stuff like that. But I’m talking about a running to-do list. Every part of everything that needs to get done. And it can be scary to look at, I’ll be honest. That’s why we need perspective. Instead of a running to-do list, it’s a running to-done list. Here’s everything I need to do next, but its right next to all of this wonderful stuff that’s already crossed off. Here are all the assignments I’ve completed this semester.
I think this works for me because it reminds me of all that I’ve accomplished so far. You could even keep a separate list where you only write stuff once it’s done. But think about it; a lot of us with high expectations of ourselves minimize our accomplishments and magnify our failures. “I only did one assignment today instead of three. My to-do list today was pathetic.” First of all, how dare you talk to my friend like that, self? She is strong, independent, and, quite frankly, she’s killing it because she got ONE WHOLE ASSIGNMENT DONE TODAY! But also, look how much she’s gotten done this week, this month, this year! You know what I mean?
Disclaimer though: to-done lists won’t work for everyone. But hey, what if they work for you? I’m not saying you have to try it if you never have, just think about it for a second.
That’s my perspective. ;)
“Do not be desirous of having things done quickly. Do not look at small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly. Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.” - Wilson Mizner
