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I took 21 credit hours one semester in college (while I was in ROTC and had a part-time job). I continue to live a busy life (work a full-time job that requires travel, own a small business, and serve in the National Guard). Here's my advice:

Google Calender: Get one and use it. Input assignment & project deadlines, workout schedules, social activities, and anything else you need to track into it. Set reminders so that you have no excuse to forget about a deadline.

To-do lists: Take the time to write down a daily to-do list every morning (I carry a Moleskine ruled reporter notebook), but you can use any piece of paper or phone app. Prioritize your most important tasks and do those first (I highlight mine). Use small, manageable tasks to achieve a larger goal. You will feel amazing every time you cross off a task.

Find a workplace: In college it was the library. Now I use coffee shops. Make it a place that you go into specifically to get work done (reading, research, typing a paper, etc.). I like to set up my work station, order a large cup of coffee, put in my headphones, listen to classical music on Spotify, and get shit done. You'll be crossing tasks off your to-do list like crazy and feeling good about it!

Read correctly: I was a history major in college, so I had to read tons of shit. You need to read assignments pragmatically, not for enjoyment. Before you read something, do a quick google search for the book or article. Find out what it's about and what the summary is. Read the table of contents, and then start reading quickly through the chapters. 3/4ths done with the page and understand the concept? flip the page. Get 3/4ths done with the chapter and understand? Move to the next one. (Not all books can be read like this, but keep in mind you're not reading to enjoy the book, you're reading to understand the content & conclusion the author is trying to prove. Also, many authors write with "filler content." You'll quickly learn what information is important, and what is put in to make the book longer.) Type or write down study notes as you go. It's proven you remember shit better when you write it down, plus you'll have a consolidated guide for future study, discussion, & research purposes.

Exercise: You're going to have days that you don't sleep as much as you want. You'll feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and on the edge of an anxiety attack. You'll be surprised what a 30-minute bike ride, jog, or P90X workout will do for you. Energy levels will increase, you'll look better naked, feel better, and you'll have crossed off a task on your to-do list!

Attitude: Keep it positive. Plan time to periodically do things that recharge you (I like to bicycle, have drinks with my friends, or cook). Your emotional (and spiritual) health is important at times like this. Do yoga, meditation, kickboxing, religious stuff, or whatever to keep you sane. I'm not particularly into that existential shit, but you need to identify what works for you to maintain mental health. Listen to music that makes you feel good, take time to appreciate things, and don't let yourself feel sorry for yourself. Remember, your not the only busy person on planet earth - you can manage this.

Caffeine: lots of it


The habits you establish now will help you profoundly in your professional career. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck and keep at it! NOW GET THE FUCK OFF REDDIT! YOU CAN DO THIS!

I definitely need to do this. I have a nice planner that I bought a while ago, but I never check it because I don't remember. I did buy one of these cool adhesive pen loops to keep it attached with a nice pen.

I've been a little obsessed with Filofaxes recently, and I found a great alternative on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B829V04/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2W7N58A491TIT

It's only 9 dollars! NINE! It's the standard personal size. (I'll submit it as a link)