Student Blogger

This article is part of an ongoing series called "Action Plan".

Part of the week of September 15, 2008 as a bonus post with Technology Focus: Backpack Updated.

Situation: Procrastination happens to the best of us. You’ll have days where it’s just not working for you. Or maybe by the end of the week, everything is a mess - disorganized, deadlines approaching, etc. What can you do?

Solution: Implement a Work Day. A work day is a simple concept: choose one day weekly or any day that you are feeling overwhelmed by upcoming assignments or projects. Focus on getting as much work done in that day.

Mindset

A work day will only work with a positive mindset. You have to put yourself up to it. The hardest part is beginning the work. You’ll find excuses: long day at school, tired, maybe you can do it tomorrow. But the reality is, you can’t. Take the time now to get as much done as possible. As soon as you get home, begin the first task and you’ll find the stress of the work easing off your shoulders.

Weekly Work Day

The weekly work day is when you take a certain time period, either morning, afternoon, or night on Saturday or Sunday to review your assignments and to finish as many tasks as you can before school on Monday. For example, on my Saturday afternoon Weekly Work Day, I go through my Backpack and clear out / reassign tasks for particular days. I’ll try to do all assignments due Monday and Tuesday. I also attempt to finish a good chunk of whatever project I need to work on.

Batching Tasks

The work day is also perfect for those little tasks that you save up. I find that over the week, for my student organization I participate in, I acquire little taks to be completed. During the weekend, I take the time to clear and finish those little tasks. I also take the time to review “Follow-Up” actions that I am awaiting a response from someone. I send them a small reminder to make sure they either received my email or understand what is going on.

Weekly Work Day vs. Work Day

The weekly work day is a great habit to form while still in high school. In college, it will be of great interest to you (reference - Cal Newport’s “Follow A Sunday Ritual“). The work day on the other hand is to try to get your work back in rolling. You’ll find a work day as a technique for conquering those tasks that you procrastinated. In that sense, you should try to avoid a work day. However, if you find yourself overloaded but not accomplishing anything, you need to try it.

Summary

1. Weekly work day is a great habit to establish in high school. Take the time on Saturday or Sunday to review your assignments, make progress on projects, and finish both Monday AND Tuesday’s homework.
2. A work day is a strong solution to a hard problem. If you find yourself overloaded without accomplishing anything, make an effort to apply a work day. Do not make it a habit however.