Lesson 1 - Get Organized!

Get Organized!

If you want to be in control of your life you have to know what it is that your are doing, going to be doing and want to be doing.

With all the hectic activities and work schedules you need to be able to make sense of it by writing it down. This is best done by having a planner.
That's step 1 in getting prepared to independently handle everything life throws at you.

YOU have to be able to manage your time and activities, well.

So, go out and buy a planner.
One similar to this  planner from Target but that you really love the look and feel of.

You'll be using it all the time and you want to enjoy the experience of using it. Aldi's, Wal-Mart, Target, Marshalls, and many other stores have them from $8 to $25.

Get one that has a month view, followed by daily/weekly pages and with to do list areas.

Next, sit down with your family and fill in all of your appointments, celebrations and obligations.

Be sure to fill out the SCHEDULE area.

You've got to get into the habit of cultivating a good working schedule for your lifestyle and education/job. Start with the basics though, the fixed obligations like work, lessons or school.

Below you will find the notes for my first day of class:

Adulting Week 1 Class Lesson

Requirements for Class:

• Pay attention
• Take notes onto handouts and into notebook/ planner
• Use a highlighter for handouts
• Write down assignments in your planner
• Be on time
• You’ve paid for my time - use it ALL. I won’t repeat what you’ve missed - that’s wasting others’ time.
• Punctuality is a key part of “growing up” and attaining success. Nothing says “slackard” like being late (whether or not it’s true).
• Good attendance
• I cover material NOT in the handouts
• Again, you paid for the class - make good use of your money
• Bring your binder, a pen and a highlighter to EVERY class
• Put the handouts directly into the binder and label the tab each class (that way the vast majority of  your grade is taken care of. 
• Bring your planner to this class and ALL your classes. 
• Record assignments and due dates
• Have it handy to reference for your notes
• What do with your planner (8 ½ x 11” spiral bound with month and daily views)
• First fill in important dates 
• Lessons
• Dr. appointments
• Meetings
• Work schedule
• Class schedule
• Family vacations and birthdays
• Holiday/ Holy Days
• Due dates for tests, papers, assignments
• Maintenance items (car, apartment, cleaning)
• Familiarize yourself with everything it has to offer in its sections
• Consult your planner every evening and every morning
• Put your daily to do list on the daily page
• Mark off the items you have accomplished
• Remind yourself of daily appointments and deadlines - set a time to get it done by
• Look ahead in the month and the next month to remind yourself of what’s coming up
• So much anxiety can be alleviated by just writing down what needs to be done and making a plan for getting it done. Makes our “requirements” much more concrete and attainable rather than “looming” and being in fear of forgetting something.
• Prepare the small tasks to accomplish the bigger tasks assigned
• Most projects can be broken down into smaller tasks done over a larger period of time. This gives you a sense of accomplishment and thus confidence along the way. “Don’t put off for tomorrow what can be done today.” This kind of preparation leaves room for life’s little emergencies that happen along the way. 
• Include daily prep on your daily page (might look like the following:)
• Get books and binders set out for school tomorrow - set by bedroom door
• Check for assignments and make sure they are in the appropriate binders to hand in to the teachers
• Take my shower before 7 am or the night before - setting out my clothes for the next day
• Get chores done by 7:30 am or the night before
• Tell mom or dad where I need to be and when tomorrow. Ask how I can help us leave on time.
• Pack lunch the night before (something healthy)
• Check mark each thing you’ve prepared for (you’ll sleep better knowing it’s done and you are prepared.)
• Write down inspirations in the notes section. This can be your project page (under construction - documentation)
• Don’t forget about it! Take it with you and keep it out on your desk when you are home.

Why Plan?

• Puts your goals and responsibilities into focus
• Allows you to see where you need/ want to go
• Creates a pathway to follow
• Reduces risk of failure by outlining what needs to be done and when
• Motivates you to take action to accomplish your tasks/ goals
• Reduces anxiety of being overwhelmed by the looming ‘unknown”
• Creates peace of mind knowing you are accomplishing what needs to be done
• Allows for you to be thoughtful of others’ important dates and to be a better friend/ family by scheduling time with your loved ones. Shows you make them a priority.
• Creates lifelong good habits which then leads to success

Go out and get it done before moving to Lesson 2 - Completing your Schedule (making time for great habits and self care)