Getting Organized for Academic Success – One Simple Key Will Unlock Many Doors
ByYou look at her in disbelief as she tells you that you must go NOW and purchase the project board for the science project! She has to turn in the “first exhibit” which is a rough draft of sorts of the whole project. If it is not turned in tomorrow she will lose a letter grade on the project.
You remember clearly when you had to make an emergency trip to the public library because she left the book for the book report in her locker at school. She promised to let you know these deadlines in advance so you could successfully schedule your time and not have these unexpected “emergencies”. These unexpected “emergencies” wreak havoc on your schedule.
So now here’s your key: When you’re so frustrated and have smoke coming out your ears you probably want to scream “Why can’t you just tell me BEFORE the last minute?” STOP!
Take as many deep breaths as you need (don’t hyperventilate now) and get calm and quiet. Remember she did not create this crisis on purpose. Instead of those upset words you were going to blast her with just ask yourself: “What makes me GLAD about her?” Maybe she is a great friend. Maybe she has a generous heart. As you focus on this wonderful quality in the very child who has just destroyed your evening schedule your feelings will shift. (The smoke coming out of your ears will stop.) Now that you are centered and calm you can best deal with having to redo your evening schedule (or not.)
