At times school can be very stressful. Balancing school, sports, friends and family, can be exhausting. One way to manage your balancing act is to organize it.

Organization is one of the keys to being successful in school, and in life. By being organized you can save time and find things more easily. Organization means something different to everyone, but it is important that you find a system that works for you.

For instance, when my teacher gives an assignment, I immediately bring out my assignment notebook to write it down. Then when school is over, I check my assignment notebook for assignments I have written down in each subject. That way I don’t forget anything. Your assignment notebook is a wonderful tool for marking due dates, assignments, and other important events.

Having a place set aside to do homework also helps. By doing this you keep all your school things in one place, thus making it easier to keep track of everything.           

Another important aspect of organization is time management. The key to good time management is using your time wisely.  For instance, sometimes I have to stay after school until basketball practice starts. I could hang out for a couple hours, but many times I choose to do my homework. That way I have less to do when I get home.

Even if you are not in a sport or do not have a job, using your time wisely is a very important skill you will need for the rest of your life. So practice it. In study hall instead of sitting next to your friends who might be a distraction, find a quiet place to finish your work. Or if your teacher gives you an assignment in the last five minutes of class, do not pack up and get ready to leave. Instead, get a head start on the homework.

Being organized is a useful tool that will help you succeed in high school, college, and beyond. Again, practice it.