Academic Resource Center

How to Effectively Use Your Planner

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Utilizing a Planner

A planner can help you stay organized, manage your time, and keep track of important tasks and deadlines. The steps below provide a simple way to set up and use your planner to stay on top of your responsibilities and goals.

Expand or collapse content 1. Choose the Right Planner

Select a planner that fits your needs and preferences. It could be a daily, weekly, or monthly format. Ensure there's enough space to write out your tasks and notes.

Expand or collapse content 2. Fill in Important Dates

Start by marking key dates and deadlines:

  • Academic deadlines: Assignments, tests, and project due dates.
  • Personal events: Birthdays, appointments, and holidays.
  • Recurring tasks: Peer tutoring sessions, workshops, or academic coaching.

Tip: Use a color-coding system to categorize tasks, such as:

  • Red for urgent deadlines
  • Blue for school or work-related tasks
  • Green for personal events
Expand or collapse content 3. Break Down Tasks by Timeframes

Organize your tasks on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis.

  • Monthly: At the start of each month, map out big deadlines and events.
  • Weekly: Every weekend, plan your upcoming week. Prioritize what’s most urgent.
  • Daily: At the end of each day, review tomorrow’s tasks and finalize your plan.
Expand or collapse content 4. Create To-Do Lists

For each day, write a to-do list that includes:

  • Top priorities: The most critical tasks that need to be done first.
  • Secondary tasks: Items you should complete, but they aren't urgent.
  • Optional tasks: Things you’d like to do if you have extra time.

Example:

  • Top Priority: Submit Assignment 5-1 by 11:59 p.m.
  • Secondary: Review notes for Discussion 4-2.
  • Optional: Begin reading for next week.
Expand or collapse content 5. Set Planning Times

Set a regular time to update and review your planner:

  • Daily: Spend 10 minutes planning the next day.
  • Weekly: Review upcoming tasks and adjust your schedule as needed.
  • Monthly: Reassess your long-term goals and deadlines.
Expand or collapse content 6. Track Progress and Goals

Use your planner to monitor the completion of tasks and your progress toward larger goals. You can:

  • Check off completed tasks.
  • Set short- and long-term goals, such as "Finish all assignments on time" or "Make the honor roll."
  • Use tracking pages to measure habits or study times.
Expand or collapse content 7. Leave Space for Notes

Reserve sections for:

  • Class notes, if your planner has room.
  • Inspirational quotes or personal reflections.
  • Brainstorming ideas.
Expand or collapse content 8. Review and Adjust

At the end of each week, review what went well and what didn’t. Adjust your plans for the next week accordingly. If a task wasn’t completed, move it to the next day.

By following these steps, your written planner will become a reliable tool to keep you organized, reduce stress, and help you achieve your goals.

Need More Help?

Looking to improve your student skills? Book with a coach! To learn more about Academic Coaching, see the What is Academic Coaching page.

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