Written by featured coach, Jessica Blocki

Success. We all want it. We’re all looking for it. But sometimes it seems so elusive.

When it comes to school success can look like a lot of things. Good grades. Survival. But what if a successful school year was as simple as 1, 2, 3? Three simple little things that will help you survive and maybe even thrive.

1. Time.

We all have 24 hours in our day, but it’s how we use those hours that determines how successful we are. If you find yourself wondering where your time goes, try this simple exercise:

Make a list of all your must-do’s and how much time each of those takes on a daily basis.

Start with the big ones like school, sleep, sports, etc. then fill in around them.

For a more visual effect, try drawing a circle with 24 “wedges” and fill those in with every activity.

Now take a step back and assess. Where’s your time going? Is that where you want your time to go? If not, what do you need to change?

Once you have the big-picture, it’s time to figure out a method to help you stay on top of it all.

2. Method.

To be most successful with the time you have (and hopefully find a way to get more of it for the things you want to do), you must have a method for getting everything done.

Are you a checklist kind of person? Make that list and post it where you can see it. Tip: Stick it to your computer, phone, or in the front of your school binder so you don’t lose it.

A calendar type of person? Find a planner/calendar you like and start scheduling. Again, keep it with your stuff so you don’t forget!

Or maybe, like a lot of us, you’re addicted to your phone and since you’re looking at it anyway, it may as well tell you what you should be doing. Here are some great apps that help you stay on top of your homework and schedule, too.

3. Motivation.

To really be successful this school year, it’s not enough to simply know where your time is going and how to stay on top of everything you have going on. You actually have to do the things on your to-do list.

Find something either within yourself (intrinsic) or something outside yourself (extrinsic) that will help you get the job done when distractions pop up. There’s nothing wrong with building in rewards to your routine.

Need ideas?

Try taking a break after studying for a certain time.
Play a videogame after completing a certain task or tasks.
Treat yourself with dessert or Netflix if you get your to-do list accomplished.

Whatever it is, find it and use it. After all, a job well done deserves a reward.

Time, method, motivation. Three keys to a successful school year.

Which one do you need to tackle in order to survive or thrive this year? What are some of your “survival” tips? We’d love to hear your ideas!