As you go through your day you probably have a lot of information and “to-dos” thrown your way — as a result, knowing how to organize the abundance of things you need to do is key to accomplishing them all. Whether you like to utilize tech or you’re a little more old-fashioned, here are some ways to make sure you’re getting everything done.
TECH: Technology can be a huge tool when it comes to getting things done, here are a few specific resources:
Google Keep: Both available for phone and computer, Keep is the ultimate “notes and lists” app. You can make checklists, set reminders, and color code all the notes that go together.
Here I have all my important things to do. In blue, I have time sensitive things that need to get done for school. In pink, I have other schoolwork and things that need to be done for college. And in orange, I have chores I need to do at home. The ones with the time underneath the text means that I had a reminder set to make sure I got everything done and that I didn’t forget anything important. You can even put photos with captions onto your Keep to have a visual representation of things you need to do.
Google Classroom: Many teachers utilize Classroom to get information to students, however many don’t look at their Classroom feeds unless verbally told to do so. So, the most important thing you do is set up your Classroom notifications. You’ll be reminded immediately when the teacher creates the assignment/announcement and again the day that it is due.
Go into your settings on your mobile version of Classroom and I suggest setting both email notifications and device notifications in case you happen to miss one. I like to keep my phone on silent so I don’t use sound or vibrate, but if you need it to grab your attention then definitely go for it.
OFFLINE METHODS: Sometimes physically recording what you need to do is more useful to remembering, here are some ways to organize your to-do’s:
DIY To Do Board: Making a to-do board to keep in a convenient place at home goes a long way. They’re very simple to make and are very useful to keep track of what you’ve done already and what you still need to do.
To Make: All you need is a “floating” picture frame and scrapbook paper.
Cut the scrapbook paper to fit your frame, place in frame and you’re ready to go! *Tip*: You can change the paper seasonally as a decoration as well!
Supplies: Frame, Paper (look at any craft store), and markers
Plain Ol’ To Do List: We all know how to write a to do list, the harder part is actually keeping track of that list and following through. Make sure you keep your list in an accessible place, that’s why I recommend switching to your phone or a centralized list like the wall hanging. However, if you like paper I suggest leaving it in an area of high traffic that you will pass multiple times as a reminder to get those things done. Or, you can even put your list on a clipboard and hang that clipboard on the wall similar to the frame method, but with classic pen and paper instead.
