Deciding to go back to school to attend weekend school will take
organization and perseverance. Many people use their weekends to catch
up on errands, sleep and to socialize with friends and family. Deciding
to go to weekend school will cut into these activities, but it needn't
be uncomfortable. Here is how you can fit weekend school into your
schedule:
Step 1: Inform Friends, Family and Partner
Ensure
that everyone you know is aware of your plans. Enlist their support and
explain that you are embarking upon a new educational goal to better
your life. Having the support of family, friends and your partner can be
instrumental in your success.
Step 2: Consolidate Activities
Make
a list of all of the things that you normally do on the weekends.
Create a list of essential activities that must be done. Initiate a
timeline on how to accomplish them. Ask for help from family members
wherever possible. Delegate any activity that you can to someone else.
Eliminate all tasks that are not necessary. Make an additional list for
"Raining Day Projects" for those things that can wait. Put
time-sensitive items on a calendar so that they can be monitored and
don't get forgotten about. Group shopping and errands into convenient
time periods when you are already out and about or in a specific area.
Step 3: Just Say No
Get
in the habit of declining weekend invitations for social events. This
may be necessary for other times, too, since you will need that time for
homework and other responsibilities to attend to. After you have
informed people of your educational plans, most will understand that you
have a commitment. Keep in contact with people via email rather than
using the phone to save time. Let people know of your progress so that
you don't fall out of touch with friends and family.
Step 4: Update Your Schedule
Develop
and keep to a schedule to accomplish everything you need to get done
within a week. Keep the schedule within your view and check it
regularly. Put every activity that you are normally required to do on
the schedule. Be realistic with time requirements. Include those tasks
which have been delegated so that you can track them.
Step 5: Eliminate Clutter
Clutter
is distracting and prohibits good time management. Have a space
delegated for everything so that you can keep focused. Keep only those
things you use regularly in view. Place items in storage, donate them or
get rid of whatever is not needed. The better your space is organized,
the more at ease you will feel about taking time for weekened classes.
Step 6: Take Time for Yourself
Just
because you have decided to attend weekend school, it doesn't mean you
have to sacrifice time for relaxing. Instead, shift it to another time.
Arrange to have time for yourself when family members, partners or
children are away. Encourage kids to have play dates with others. Use
the evenings to indulge in the things you like to do. By rearranging
your schedule, you can accomplish everything you normally do and still
have time for yourself. Rest and relaxation is every bit as important as
any other activity you will do.
Back to School: How to Fit Weekend School into Your Schedule
