Like many of you, I am balancing and wearing many hats in life. I work full time at Camden, I’m a full time grad student, and am also a wife and mother! Juggling all of these things at the same time can sometimes be overwhelming, but I’ve learned and have put together some easy tips on how to gain control and stay focused!

1. Organization is key. An organized person isn’t going to lose papers, forget due dates, or have to scramble at the last minute. Figure out what time management and organization tools work best for you and get to it! Here are some quick ideas that I find work best for me.

• Utilize folders – I organize any and everything into a designated folder! If I am working on a particular project in school or for work, I create a folder specifically for anything related to it. This way, everything stays organized and you can quickly find it all when you’re ready to continue working on whatever is in that folder.  You’ll be much better off in the long run and will feel much more in control of things. Carry this same system digitally for double the benefit! Learn to organize your projects digitally and save things in designated folders on your laptop or computer. Having your desktop screen organized in folders is so helpful! 

• Use a planner - its life changing! Naturally, I am a very disciplined person and my world needs to be as organized and planned as possible…buuuut we all know that life can sometimes be pretty darn unpredictable! As a working student and mother, you have to be able to adapt to the random things that may come up that are impossible to foresee. Here’s where writing everything in your planner comes to play! Because I always have a clear vision of what needs to be done and the days ahead, I can reschedule my time accordingly and be as flexible or inflexible as needed. Once I mastered the use of my planner it reduced my stress levels by so much. I haven’t forgotten a single due date, birthday, project deadline, or doctor’s appointment for my son because they are all written down in one convenient place.

• Make a To Do List – Try staying ahead of your day by creating a to do list for the next day. Every night before bed, take a look at your planner and visualize how tomorrow should go. Anything that takes more time or is a harder task should go towards the top of your list, this way you tackle your biggest task first thing when you’re more energized. Add everything else by priority and importance. As you move throughout the day, check things off! This always helps me feel like I am in control and moving along just as I planned. I use the Wunderlist app so that I always carry my list with me and add to it as needed.

2. Stay Positive and keep your eye on the prize. Let’s face it…taking on the added responsibility of going to school while working and maintaining a family is something many people wouldn’t dare attempt. Go into it knowing that it is going to be hard but always know your purpose. Many times this very reason has been my driving force. I remember why and who I am doing it for, my son Ari. I keep a picture of him in my planner at all times and often look at it while in night class feeling less than motivated. And let me tell you, it works every time! No matter what your personal reason is, make sure to keep your goals in mind and in sight when it starts to feel like too much. Write your personal reason out and remind yourself often of why you are doing it. Keep in mind that time passes and this is temporary. The ultimate goal is to advance your career and you’ll soon get there!

3. Remember to make time for family and fun! I know it can be easy to get bogged down in responsibility. But don’t be too hard on yourself and try not to spread yourself too thin! Take the occasional day off and make sure to spend time with your family. Get away from all your work, studies, emails, projects, etc. and re-energize. It makes all the difference. Also make sure to reward yourself along the way. This will definitely help keep your eyes on the prize. It doesn't matter if it is a good grade on a paper, passing a class, or simply making it through a hard work week, it’s necessary to celebrate to keep yourself motivated and to help you stay focused.

Hope these 3 tips help you to better balance it all! Print the image below, hang it where you can see it, and most importantly, stay in control!