The thinking, writing, and processing with a buddy that you’ve done so far has probably given you lots of ideas about where to go next.

That means that everyone’s action plan will look a little different. We’re going to cover these key game plan topics in the steps below:

• track your daily and weekly to-dos
• use conscious time management to set priorities and build a balanced schedule
• talk to your academic advisor—and other advisors
• round up resources at your college and beyond

Have you ever written down everything you’d like to be doing?

Doing that can be a valuable reminder of the big picture, helping you re-set and focus on what’s ultimately most important to you. We totally recommend doing this once in a while. It might even be a good exercise for you now!

However, you’ll also probably find out that you literally don’t have time to get it all done. (More on this below.)

So for now, let’s focus on the daily and weekly level:

• over the next week, what’s on your to-do list?
• what about today and tomorrow?

Once your list is complete, use the next step to prioritize what to do first.

A classic way to make clear-headed choices about how to prioritize your tasks is to use a grid with four categories:

• important AND urgent—things you need to do, soon, like studying for finals next week
• important but NOT urgent—things you don’t need to do soon, but that are important in the long run, like getting exercise
• urgent & NOT Important—things that might feel important and time-sensitive, but actually aren’t important, like a sale ending soon at a store you don’t actually need anything from
• NOT urgent & NOT important—things you truly don’t care about and don’t need to do, like getting stuck surfing through social media 

Most of your time should go to the first two categories.

Pay special attention to category #2. Some of the most valuable things in life can be found there. But because they don’t necessarily demand your immediate attention, they can be easy to neglect.

You probably have an “official” academic advisor or advising center staff who can share wisdom, connect you to resources, and may also be in charge of signing off on your schedule each term.

If you’re on academic probation, you may also have another advisor, coach, or mentor you’re supposed to work with, too.

Make sure to check in with these folks! Advisors are great for helping you refine your goals, identify possible trouble spots in your academic plans, and generally set you up for success.

In addition to official advisors, there are other people that also count as advisors: professors, mentors, and older students.

Your college has a bunch of ways to help support you academically. Check the website or ask your advisor(s) about resources available on campus. At the very least, most colleges have some form of:

• academic tutoring
• counseling
• advising and mentoring

Bookmark websites, jot down contact info, and keep an eye on when they’re open.

Many college students also need to access even more fundamental resources, like food and housing. If those are concerns, know that you are not alone and that and there are people and organizations that will connect you with support.

• Find Help provides a free tool to help find food assistance, help pay bills and other free or reduced-cost programs. Users can search by Zip Code. Find Help is available in multiple languages.
• 211 provides a comprehensive list of local resources that include assisting with housing and utility expenses, food assistance, health care expenses, and  mental health and substance abuse resources. 211 is available in English and Spanish.

Sometimes we get so stuck in making it through from day to day that we lose sight of our big picture and inspiration.

You worked hard to get to college in the first place, and you have done so many things so well to get where you are today!

Keep your whys front and center to stay motivated. Find ways to bring them into your attention when you might otherwise be distracted.

You’ve got this!