Kumaliza

Getting Things Done:

Motivation? Check. Priorities? Set. Planner? Filled out. Now what? GET 'ER DONE. Here's a nifty system to accomplish the task at hand:

The easiest step to getting things done: write EVERYTHING down. Lists are a teen's best friend. In order to begin the system, you should purchase a little notebook that you can carry around with you wherever you go. As you encounter errands that need to get done--be it an essay or getting the mail--write it down. Now, set aside five minutes a day to analyze this list. As you go through it, decide which items will take two minute and, here's the catch, DO THEM. You've got two minutes to spare, I know you do. So, right there and then, do it. Take the trash out, write that email, throw a load of clothes into the washer. For the things that will take longer, transfer them into your PLANNER and log yourself enough time to get them done. Then, cross everything off on the list and start a new one. As you see this completed list get crumpled and thrown away, you'll feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment because you'll have a visual fo what is getting done. Every thing is either done, or planned to GET done. Now your free of stress and worry. This system will help you in ways you never imagined. It's simplistic nature will trick you into thinking it is a monotonous task in addition to the other tasks you must do, but this will truly help you get organized and make sure you get every single thing done. It will also save you a LOT of time that you can spend doing the things you love, instead of feeling guilty and procrastinating. So run out and buy that little notebook. GET THINGS DONE!

Mpango

PLAN:

This is the key to success in life. You will NEVER get anything done if you don't plan for it. The thing about planning, though, is that you can't just plan things in your head. It's far too easy for something to fall through the cracks. Then, the next thing you know, you're out of Grandma's will for forgetting to send her a card on her 90th birthday. How do you avoid such atrocities? Invest in a planner. If your school doesn't already give you one, roll on into your favorite department or office store and find a planner that catches your eye, or the first planner you see. Doesn't matter to me, as long as you have a planner. The problem is, in order for you to use your planner effectively. You have to know how to use it. So here's some tips

• Look at your planner every day


• Start planning on Sunday


• On Sunday, write down all the events that will happen during the week so, as tasks and assignments pop up during the week, you can plan around those events


• Throughout the week, write down all your homework and tasks


• Allot a time to do each thing, that way, you know WHEN to do it so you don't just keep assuming I'll do it in the future.


• If you find out about a test that's three weeks away, mark it in bold on that day so you are absolutely certain you don't forget.


• Make goals


• Schedule time to relax

Your planner is a great place to write any extra notes or things you think of on the spot. Make your planner your best friend. Take it with you wherever you go. And use it religiously. If you use it diligently, it will save your life. I promise.

Kipaumbele

Setting Priorities:

Get your priorities straight. Chances are, the reason you aren't getting anything done in a timely manner is because you have other activities place before the tasks you need to complete. What do you do when you get home from school? Check Facebook? For how long? Peruse iTunes? Watch TV? And how many episodes do you watch? Have a "light" snack? How light is it really? Even though you are well aware of the stack of homework that awaits you, the piano you need to practice, those letters you need to write, and that 30 minute work out you need to complete, you neglect all these things. But why? You're priorities are out of whack! You need to make sure that you complete the things that NEED to get done before you move on to your luxuries. Yes, of course it's ok to rest after school or work or practice for half an hour, but don't let that 30 minutes turn into 60. PRIORITIZE. Decide what is most important to you; create a list. Return to the list if you need a little refresher or some motivation. Remember that your friends will still be there for you on the weekend while you'll never be able to take that test after Friday. Don't assume that Tosh.O is more important that your biology lab. Daniel Tosh and the cast of The Office can wait until this weekend, you need to get your lab done NOW. So finish it, and if you have more time, watch your shows. If you don't, just wait until the weekend.

Get those priorities straight!!

Kuwahamasisha

Motivation and Productivity:

The keys to getting things done: motivation and productivity. Plain and simplistic. There is no way you will get anything done without the motivation; then, once you have the motivation, it is imperative that you are productive.

Motivation can be a hard thing to receive. If you have trouble getting motivated, there's a few things you can try. Personally, I find my two most effective ways are through rewards and punishments. You could either reward or punish yourself when you either do or don't get things done. I've found it's easiest to reward myself because it takes a LOT of self control to punish yourself, but of course, it's quite easy to give yourself a reward. Here's how it works. You have NO desire to do your math homework. Why? (Other than the obvious I-don't-want-to-exert-myself reason). You want to be on Facebook, watch Youtube videos, text friends, watch a movie, eat food, etc. There are many reasons we don't want to do the things we have to do. So here's what YOU are going to do. Break out your math homework and say to yourself, for every problem I complete, I can eat one chip, or text one person back, or watch one Youtube video. Then, in order to do the thing you WANT to do, suck it up, factor a couple numbers, and then voila! You have yourself ONE delicious chip. Want another one? Show some self control, and do another math problem to EARN it. This reward system can be applied to anything. There's no reason you can't do what you want while or right after accomplishing tasks. You could also reward yourself AFTER doing a big task, with some ice cream or a 30 minute break. You, by no means, have to do EVERYTHING at once in order to be productive. In fact, I'd suggest that you take breaks; just be careful you don't take to many.

Once you have this motivation, BE PRODUCTIVE. Don't get distracted. Create a workspace where you can stay focused. (Which we'll talk about next week). It's all about productivity. If you master these two principles, you'll be able to utilize your time better and get done with things faster than you imagined you could! Best of luck!

Siri

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started, the secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one," --Mark Twain

You are given all the time in the world and YOU decide what to do with it. Don't waste a minute. Don't give up a day. You get one chance to make a minute count, sure, you'll get another chance to utilize ANOTHER minute in 60 seconds, but you'll never get THAT minute, the one you wasted, again. Time is of the essence and it takes a lot of motivation to make sure you are utilizing your time for the best. So use your minutes wisely as we learn this week about time management.

Hitimisho

All I can hope is that this week, you learned some great tips to organize the mini corners of your life. As you implement these ideas, you'll find yourself gain control. In turn, you'll find confidence and reassurance that you have control. You have control. Don't lose it.

Pakiti

Your Backpack:

Backpacks. They're typically loaded up with things and knick knacks too with anything you'd want or need. So the question is..can you find it? Dora will not be there to help you find whatever you need in your backpack. As a teenager, you have been called upon to take responsibility for the contents of your beloved backpack. Make sure you know WHAT is in your backpack and WHERE to find it. I have a best friend who has always had problems finding anything from papers to keys in her backpack. She frequently loses gum to the recesses of its deep pockets as well as any and every pencil. If this sounds even remotely like you, then take note..

1. Dump out your backpack.


2. Use the pile technique to decide what you wish to keep in your backpack and what belongs in the trash.


3. The deciding factor of whether or not you have an organized backpack lies within what the contents of it are. If your folders and spirals are messy and you plan on putting them in your backpack, the clutter will spread. Unsure of how to do this? Let's take a sidebar..

SIDEBAR

Over the years, I've experimented with different ways to organize my school work. This is a system that I've found most successful:

1. For school, you need at least a half inch, three ring binder for each class. In each of these binders, you'll want to have dividers that you can personalize after being in class for a week or so because then you'll have a better understanding as to what you'll be putting in your binder. In the back of your binder, put some loose leaf paper, just in case you need it. When you get papers, place them behind their appropriate divider. Usually, binders have a built in sleeve; there, you can place a paper that you might need in the near future. This system should make finding papers a breeze.


2. The only other thing you'll need is a folder: nice and sturdy. THIS is your homework folder. On the left side of it, place your homework. Transfer your homework over to the right side once it's completed. It's that simple. You may not see the benefits you'll reap from this yet, but let me explain. By having all your homework in one location, you'll save yourself time and back strains and you'll lose a significant amount of stress. All miracles, right? So now you wonder How will I save myself time and from back strains? You'll spend less time searching for your homework and have less in your backpack. Instead of taking each binder home, since binders typically only have the materials you'll need for class, you'll just take this folder. Now, when you go home, all you have in your backpack is a homework folder and any books you might need to accomplish your homework. How can this be a stress reliever? Well let me ask you this: how many times have you forgotten about, lost, misplaced, or can't find your homework (either done or not done). I used to find myself hitting my head against a wall because I didn't do my homework since I'd forgotten it was assigned. With a homework folder, EVERY assignment you have will be on the left side. Go through it when you get home. Decide what needs to get done and what you have a little bit more time on. This will save you from forgetting to do your homework. How many times have you gotten to school and realized that you have NO idea where your homework is. Now everyone is passing theirs up and you're searching though every binder, flipping every page, going over your steps countless times in your head. Where is it? With a homework folder, as soon as your teacher asks you to pass up your assignment, just whip out your folder and snatch it from the right side. And there you are. Homework folders are life savers. There is one catch though: if you forget your homework folder at home, you are in SO much trouble for the next 8 hours of your life. So make absolutely sure that you have your homework folder before you leave. It only takes one day without it to remember every morning from then on.

Back to business..

4. Now that your school supplies are organized, you can confidently store them in your backpack.

The last thing I have to say about backpacks, is that they have lots of fun pockets. Get organized. Don't just throw everything in your bag, you'll never find it. So use all those zippers and pockets. Don't be shy to use your backpack to its fullest potential.

Finally, revisit the state of your backpack often; if it appears as though it's getting cluttered, spruce it up abit. Once you're organized, it's just a matter of maintaining that organization.

Chumbani

Your Closet:

I've always found it relatively confusing when I find clothes on the floor right under some perfectly functioning hangers. And how are you supposed to find a shoe when it's in a colorful mess of all your other shoes? Then after you've looked everywhere for your jacket, you end up facing the cold. Let's lose our pride and realize that all these things could be avoided quite simply. How? You ask. Here's how:

1. Take everything out of your closet: clothes, shoes, old notebooks, random boxes, etc.


2. Once again, make piles of what you do and don't want to keep.


3. Now, ORGANIZE

Closets are a great place to store things. Typically, you can find shelves at the top of your closet where you can neatly store anything that you need, but may not necessitate immediate access to these things. It's best to package and label them, if needed. You can consider it your own personal attic. As for the rods in your closet, it's best to store clothes there, though if you feel the need, I suppose you could get creative and store something else. Here's the thing though, do NOT just hang clothes all willy nilly; you'll never find anything in your closet that way. Organize your clothes into categories: pants, tops, skirts, ties, dresses, uniforms, winter vs summer clothes, etc. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you could even organize them in rainbow order for additional finding ease. Finally, there's the floor of your closet. In my humble opinion, the only things that belong on that floor are your shoes and a hamper. Feel free to organize your shoes. Go ahead and match each pair and set them in a straight line. As for the walls of your closet, you could add a mirror or invest in some hooks. Hooks can be helpful if you use a certain article of clothing all the time, that way you can quickly hang it on a hook as opposed to finding an open hanger and hanging that item of clothing. Your closet can become more than manageable if you frequently clean and reorganize it. It may sound like a lot of work, but it saves you time in the end and helps you to keep track of all your things.

Dawati

Your Desk:

Or more commonly known as your disaster zone. I typically find desks filled with unnecessary knick knacks, "antiques," and, of course, trash. But it doesn't bother people because it's a hidden mess. But let's talk about the top of your desk. Can you even work on it or is it strewn with foreign papers and old candy wrappers from Halloween? Or maybe you have EVERYTHING you need on your desk, but that's just the problem. I clean my desk similarly to how I clean my locker and car: strip. it. clean. Here's the process:

1. Take EVERY SINGLE THING out of your desk. Just take it all out.


2. Here we go again, making piles: Pile 1: DESK and Pile 2: TRASH.
   

   There are two kinds of people in this world: people that hoard and people that well, don't. You need to find the balance. Here's an easy way to decide what to keep and what to throw away. If you haven't used it in a year and it doesn't have sentimental value, THROW IT AWAY. Truly ask yourself if you would use the item again. SO many times we keep things because it's either hard to let go of or because we THINK we need it. Chances are, you don't need it.

   
   

   Things have a tendency to get lost in desks. Obviously, since the contents of your desk are now on the floor, you've found them. So don't just look as some Chapstick and think Yep, Chapstick, I'll be using that in the near future. Open it up and examine how old it is. It may be time for a new stick. Do the same with pens. Don't look at a pen and know you need it; test it out. Additionally, before deciding to keep every pen, pencil, or marker, remember that you can only use one pen at a time, so you really shouldn't need more than two: one for you, one as a backup. If you have more than two pens that are in fine working condition, distribute them to other places: backpacks, purses, office. Feel free to apply this principle to more than just Chapstick and pens.

   
   

   PSA ON TRASH: Before throwing EVERYTHING in the trash, decide whether or not it is truly trash or just gently used. You'll find many things that you can donate or give to a friend. It's also important to recycle all those papers you find!



3. Once everything is sorted, it's time to get organized. There are SO many nifty little desk organizers at any office supply store, but I've cleaned out old cans and Mason jars to hold all the things I need on my desk. Since I am a girl, I decorated them with ribbons and flowers and such, but for the guys, I'd suggest leaving them as the are for a cool "I-really-don't-care" look. Shoe boxes are also fun to play with when it comes to creating your own organizers. Here's what has worked for me:
   

   On my desk I have 4 soup cans, an oatmeal tin I cut in half, some cereal boxes, and some shoe boxes. Each soup can holds a different writing utensil: pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, and Sharpies. Then in one of my oatmeal tins, since it's larger than the soup cans, I put all my colored pencils. My other, I call a miscellaneous box where I put scissors, tape, a thumb stapler, and any quick tool I might need at my desk. I use the cereal boxes to file papers by what needs to be done THAT day, in the near future, and what has been done. That way, I know that if I go to bed with my first box completely empty, then I'll be good for the next day. Finally, I have a shoebox full of candies and, you guessed it, Chick-fil-a mints. Like I already mentioned, I added my own flair to these items, as can you. Get creative! Use scrapbooking supplies or the comics section of the newspaper--or even the boring section of the newspaper. Use wrapping paper! Use a paper bag from King Soopers. The possibilities are truly endless. You don't need to spend money to be organized.



4. Don't throw everything in a drawer or on a shelf. Section out the things you want to put in your desk. It will be easier to find and look nicer too! Whatever you put in your desk is up to you. I have a drawer of lip-gloss, one of paper, one of all the electronics I have, and one for all my journals. No one will judge you for what you put in your desk; just make sure it's nice and neat!

Now that everything's in place, you can get to work! (Which we will talk about NEXT week.)

Gari

Your Car:

Do you apologize for the condition of your car every time you give rides? Is there a mysterious stench emanating from an unknown source? Is that a french fry or a pencil? People, your car is your mobile home, except it doesn't come with a mom to clean it or make you sandwiches. Keeping your car clean and organized is a way to answer all these questions. Naturally, this will take some time, so I'd set aside an hour or two for this project. (Time is a mere guestimate as some cars will need more work than others).

1. Take EVERYTHING out of your car: CDs, trash, knick knacks, papers, the flashlight you have in your glove box or the gloves that should be in your glove box, etc.


2. Make two piles; this will be eerily similar if you've already organized your locker except this time the piles are: Pile 1: CAR and Pile 2: TRASH.
   

   Throw away ALL your trash and KEEP it out. Designate a spot in your car that you can just throw trash momentarily--except the floor. Then, either once a week or when it's full, throw all your trash away. That way, it won't be everywhere.

   
   

   Look EVERYWHERE for trash, not just the floor. More times than not, there will be trash shoved in between seats, in the rear seat pockets, and anywhere in between. These are not keepsakes; throw them away.



3. The middle console of your car is NOT a trash can. NOT. It is a place where you can NEATLY store your sunglasses, CDs, and anything else you might NEED in your car. Me? I keep a massive stash of Chick-fil-a mints along with my makeup, CDs, window markers (for when my friends and I decide to be hooligans), and some extra things I need on the road. The mints are fun because I offer them to every passenger and savor them any time I'm in need of a little extra something.


4. Ever find yourself in a drive thru looking everywhere for an extra penny? Bring a little cup and put all your spare change in it. Some cars even have nifty little organizers like those people at arcades!! So cool.


5. Add some personality to your ride. I have pictures and little sentiments in the visors of my car. Grab an air freshener to give your car an extra fun smell. HANG THINGS FROM YOUR MIRROR. It could be anything! One of my friends has a Buddha on her dash. Then there's always that swaying hula girl. Hang a favorite necklace or charm. If the interior of your car has loose fabric, you can pin things to it: breast cancer ribbons, notes, anything small, really. Whatever you do, make it all about YOU.


6. Keep your trunk free of clutter. Do you REALLY need everything that's in there? Really? Everything? Heck no, clean it out.


7. The best way to keep a car clean? DO NOT EAT IN IT. Ask any of the people I drive around, I have a NO food rule in my car. I'm such a psycho about it that one of my friends tried to clean up the drink she accidentally spilled with the shirt she was wearing. Good news: it worked. In all honesty though, food is the downfall to any car. It creates lasting, unpleasant aromas and has a very high probability of causing a mess. But whether or not you choose to follow this advice, ALWAYS have napkins somewhere in your car. This has proven to be a lifesaver multiple times.


8. WASH YOUR CAR FREQUENTLY. If you spruce up your car regularly, the interior can keep clean for a while, but clean the outside of your car as much as you can. And when you do, vacuum around the inside. Spritz your favorite sanitizer onto the dash and steering wheel. Why not throw in a couple sprays of Febreeze while you're at it? Don't forget about your mats!

With a clean and organized car, you can invite people to join you for a ride without having to go red with embarrassment.

Kuhifadhi

Your Locker:

This is one small space in your life that you can control: organize it. Lockers are a great place to store all the supplies you need for the school day, but it can be hard to find anything if the contents of your backpack are frequently thrown into the chaos of your locker. Here's an easy process to turn your locker from a malodorous mess to a crisp cleanliness in less than ten minutes.

1. Take EVERYTHING out of your locker.
   

   Don't be shy, there's an entire hallway full of linoleum floor for you to temporarily place your things.



2. Grab your handy dandy locker shelf that you bought at Walmart beforehand and place it into said locker.
   

   Locker shelves are one of the best inventions known to man. They help you section out your locker and it doubles the area you have in your locker so that you don't try to place everything on a 2' by 1' surface.



3. Take a look at the contents of your locker and organize them into two piles.
   

   Pile 1: LOCKER. Pile 2: TRASH. You'd be surprised at how many things reside in your locker that you don't need: THROW THEM AWAY. If you haven't used it in the past month, chances are, you don't need it. So you can regift or recycle. Either way, it shouldn't go back into your locker.



4. Now place everything in the locker pile into your, yes, locker.
   

   Here's where you can let your creativity flow. Section out your locker. These sections could be, but are not limited to: school supplies, clothes, food. Whatever the case may be, separate out your things. Take a gander at this here drawing to completely understand what I mean.

Don't be afraid to decorate your locker. Little dry erase boards are helpful. Sticky notes are fun. Pictures are memorable. But be a bit more creative. My friend has a touch lamp in her locker. Another one of my friends goes to the thrift store and finds random trinkets to put in his locker. Deck your locker out in personality.

Note: this is a much more successful process if done any time other than passing period.

Kudhibiti

"But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun,"--The Beatles

This week: Start with something small The biggest problem that people encounter: psyching themselves out when it comes to SEEMINGLY massive projects. You see, the main reason people have this problem is because they tend to feel like they don't have control. To counter this type of situation: BREAK IT DOWN. Doing so GIVES you control. Just start with something small and work your way through it, then start on the next one. In this world, there are so many variables that you cannot control. They CAN control you if YOU let them. My advice? Pick a mini section of your world and take control. As you gain control of the little things in your life, they'll start to add up. But for now. Start here.

Kuanza hapa

Ahoy teenagers! And others who may be perusing this blog--precursor: this blog is aimed towards teenagers but can be more than applicable, I'm sure to those well past their teen years. I am here to give YOU fun and exciting tips that I hope will improve your life because, as washed up pop sensation, Hannah Montana, said, "Nobody's Perfect." Now, your life is a big project to tackle. It's been developing for quite some time so how are you supposed to just change it? You are welcome to go about this any way you wish, but NOTHING happens overnight, except marathons of MASH (ask your parents or Google, the substitute parent). Here's how we're going to accomplish this overwhelming task: bit by bit. Each bit will be a theme for the week presented on Sundays. Along with the theme, you'll find yourself a nifty inspirational quote. The rest of the week will be filled with information following that theme. Until then! *Notice the titles are written in Swahili.