Oh No! I’m Behind - 5 Steps to Getting Back on Track

• Author: Michael |University Scholar
• Filed under: Study Tips
• Date: Sep 29,2008

Even the most experienced lifehacker will have times when he or she is behind schedule. Things happen. Events in our lives come up and we need to adjust our schedules, putting us behind. I myself am currently behind schedule. But I am a step ahead of many students for two reasons. 1) I recognize that I am behind schedule and 2) I have a plan to get back on track.

A month of classes has already passed, and midterms are just around the corner. Things are about to speed up. So are you ready for it? Many students make the mistake of thinking that they are on track, but later discover that they were not.

Here is how I am getting caught up.

5 Steps to Getting Back on Track

1. Look into the Future - The first step is to determine what needs to be done. What assignments do you have from now and until the end of the semester? Do you have a project or a paper that you should be working on? Do you need to do any collaborative work? Make a clear timeline with everything that you need to do: assignments from every class, social events, academic events, family reunion, everything!
2. Determine Any Urgencies - Do you have an assignment due in three days? If you have an assignment due within the next week or a test to take, just get the assignment done. Just do it! It is now your number one priority.
   
3. Tell Everyone - It is always important to have support. Tell everyone that you are behind. Tell your roommate that you are behind and you need him to be quiet if you are studying. Also, tell your professor! Tell them as soon as possible. Many times if you come to your professor with a good reason he or she may set back the due date for you. By telling everyone they can understand why you are acting like an ass and ignoring them.
4. Make a Solid Plan - After completing all urgencies create a solid plan that will get you back on schedule.
5. Just Do It - Now it is a matter of just doing everything. Stay focused, and trek through all of the assignments. It is better to work long and hard a week before the assignment is due than the night before.

Some Important Rules

• Do not rob Petter to pay Paul - No matter how far behind you are, do not skip class B to work on class A’s assignment. If you do, you are only extending the amount of time you will be behind. You still need to keep up with your reading assignments.
• You Still Need to Take Breaks - Make sure you are taking short breaks about every hour. When doing many hours of work, you need to make sure you keep your sanity. Breaks also include evening relaxation. Do not work until the second you go to bed. Make sure you leave at least an hour between studying/working and sleep.
• Eat Healthy - As always you should be eating healthy. You should be eating fruits and vegetables. Avoid drinking coffee and sodas. Tea or water are the best alternatives.
• Go to the Parties - You can still go to Friday night’s party. Spend a few hours with friends, but turn down the alcohol for the night, and don’t stay out till 2 a.m. No one is going to not like you for go to bed earlier on a weekend or not drinking. Chances are they may agree with you, because they are also behind.
• Sacrifice is a Must - You will have to make some sacrifices, and I can think of a few things that really wouldn’t be much of a sacrifice.
  • Facebook
  • TV
  • Blogs
  • Work
  • Naps

Once you get caught up, make sure that you have a solid plan to continue to stay on track. Ideally you will avoid any thing that will cause you to be get behind, but it things happen.