College To-Do List Week 19: Organization 101

Being organized is one of the keys to college success, and it's crazy simple. The hardest part is just getting started.

Below is the first step, which, if you're reading this blog, you've probably already got covered - but be sure to watch just in case, and pass along to your friends! :)

Your morning routine in the summer still matters

Even if you work over the summer (as I do), there is something about these warm months and the anticipation of fireworks and cookouts that make us all want to slow down a little bit.

Slowing down is good, especially if you are a busy college student. You need that time to recuperate. 

However, most college students have to work and go to school year-round. It can be difficult to find that relaxation time.

And sometimes those who do have that free time in the summer tend to let go completely, causing boredom.

I've struggled with all of the above at some point in my life.

I realized today that I'd let my morning routine go a little bit this June. I had been jumping right into work, letting random things distract and guide my day, and - the cardinal morning sin - checking my e-mail from my phone right after turning off my alarm. 

So this morning I said "Isa, what the heck are you doing? Get back on the metaphorical horse, girl!" (See, not doing your morning routine can make you a little crazy).

My particular routine includes writing in a journal, reading my goals for the year, reading a few pages of the non-fiction book I'm working on while eating breakfast, and going through my to-do list to choose the top three things I need to accomplish that day.

Make your routine your own, and then do it. Every morning. Even in the summer. 

Centering yourself each morning will ensure that you can end the day feeling refreshed and accomplished. 

Don't let your summer slip away. It's still a great time to grow. 

Video: Quick tip to get organized in college

I recently had one of my YouTube subscribers ask me to do a video on getting organized in college, so below is a quick tip on how to do just that! :) And if you prefer videos to blogs, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel (where you can see all of the lovely screen shots YouTube chooses). 

A spring fling...scratch that, I mean a spring filing.

Study Tipping Tuesday

Getting your files organized 

So I have a confession to make. I love puns. 

And I love puns-for-titles even more. 

As cheesy as my title might be now, it took more effort than you can imagine to avoid using X-files in the name of this post. 

Today's study tip is really really simple: 

Organize your files to save yourself from the turmoil of not being able to find important information when you need it. 

You are swarmed with e-mails and documents every day - and trust me - when you get a job it only gets worse. These documents often seem incredibly unimportant - until the moment you need them and cannot remember where they are.

The key is developing a file system (I told you this was a sexy topic). 

Seriously though, it will save you more headaches than you can imagine. 

My favorite filing box.

Paper

Step 1: Buy a small, cheap, filing box. 

Step 2: Use it (e.g. create files for things such as: FAFSA info/PIN, tax info, transcripts, degree audits, standardized test scores, diplomas, awards, resumes, product manuals, college application mailings, etc.)

Word Docs

Step 1: Create a lot of clearly labeled folders and files on your computer.

Step 2: Use them (e.g. organize by semester, by classes, and then combine folders into archives when you're done). 

E-mail

Step 1: Create a lot of labels for your e-mail (I'm a huge fan of Gmail).

Step 2: Use them (e.g. clean out your e-mail at least once a day and label things away when you're done with them. What's also helped me tremendously is keeping an e-mail marked as unread until I've replied to it and am ready to file away). 

Happy Filing! ;)

To read more about Isa's personal story & how you can build relationships to: make positive friends, be more successful in academics and work, find the right people to connect with, and access the hidden job market, grab a FREE e-copy of the first chapter of Community College Success: How to Finish with Friends, Scholarships, Internships, and the Career of Your Dreams! Claim your free copy on the Facebook page!

Three for Thursday - 3 of My Favorite Things for Your Balancing Act

There is a reality. Success requires balance.

So I’m going to try to use every Thursday this year (in place of 2011's Weekend 4Cast) as a time to share some things that will help you balance work and play. Here are three of my favorite things this week :) 

1.     NTC – Nike Training Club – An awesome (and most importantly) free application for your iPod, iPad, iPhone, or Android. I don’t like the gym – its often hard for me to allow the necessary time commitment with my schedule. If the same is true for you, this app is awesome. It has a ton of workouts on it – it has built-in videos to show you the movements – it talks to you while you are working out and gives you tips and motivation, just like a personal trainer – and you can set your playlist to go along with your workout.  Did I mention it’s free? I wanted to use it for a month before I wrote about it – I can honestly say I have never gotten results like this before. By the way, Nike didn’t pay me for this post – or give me any free stuff. I am however dressed from head to toe in swooshes. Kidding.

2.     Book and movie combinations. Is there anything more fun than reading a book and following it up by watching the movie? I don’t think so. I did it this weekend with The Nanny Diaries. Love the book – love the movie’s ending. And Scarlett Johansson. If you are in search of brain candy, enjoy a double up. It is a great way to get your nose in a book. And make sure to tell me your favorites!

3.     Google Calendar. I know, this one doesn’t sound as fun. But, I can honestly say Google Calendar is a live-saver. If you have a Gmail account, try it out.  I use it to organize, categorize, and prioritize both personal and professional events. Most importantly, it sends you text-message alerts. If you have a calendar-based program, keep using it – if you haven’t ever used an organizational calendar, I recommend this one.  

      I hope that everyone is having an amazing week! If we haven't gotten a chance to connect on social networks, I would love to get to know you better and hear your questions and ideas. Feel free to add me as a friend on Facebook or Tweet me :) 

How to Survive a Boring College Class

Sometimes, a class just isn't riveting. Here are three tips that will help you when a college class is...well...dull.

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