#105 The #1 Paper Management Tool for Students

I don't know about you but paper drives me nuts. With a kid in college and one who does online high school, I sure don't miss the piles and piles and piles of paper to deal with. One of the biggest struggles for both of my kids, while in bricks and mortar school, was finding a paper management system that was easy to use and maintain. This episode is for you if you are a student or parent who is tired of drowning in paper. Just click on the picture below to listen! 

I work with a lot of students and parents who just can't keep up with the amount of paper they have to juggle. The back pack and locker are overflowing, nobody can find anything and just when they think they have found a new tool that works...it doesn't and the cycle continues. 

I have found that there are three BIG reasons that students struggle with paper management: 

(1) They don't have a tool that is right for their needs
(2) They don't have a system for using the tool that is EASY

Because of this, I've created a roadmap for you that will walk you through the steps of selecting the best tool for managing paper and learning a system to use the tool. 

Make sure you listen to the full podcast episode, it's only 15 minutes...as I really want you to learn how to manage that paper mountain once and for all. Once you get that under control, you won't believe how much you will improve with school. Less stress and anxiety for sure! 

Not only do I walk you through the process of the #1 paper management tool for students but I've also created a FREEBIE for you to download that will help you maintain the process once you have completed steps one and two. 

Choosing The Right Tool

Instead of having a folder for each class {teachers if you request this, please stop} use an accordion file with a slot for each class. ONE tool that ,under the hood, allows a student to have every class with them ALL OF THE TIME. ONE tool that allows them to not only have enough space for each of their classes but also a space for extra paper, supplies, important papers {permission slips, receipts etc..}, assigned homework and completed homework. All they have to remember is to grab their book and their accordion file for each class. They don't have to think about what color folder goes with which book nor do they have to keep track of up to 10 things each school day. Using an accordion file means keeping track of two things at a time, maybe 3, MAX. Find out how choose the best accordion file here. 

Have a system for using the tool

Tools don't magically fix organization issues. They don't. Just buying a tool that promises to help you get more organized won't work unless you develop a system...a HABIT...so you use it. So, once you purchase the best accordion file for your paper needs, you need to sit down and not only label it but think about how you will use it. Set the intention that it is the ONLY place you will put papers for school. Tell yourself "when a teacher gives me a paper, I will put it where it goes RIGHT AWAY NOT LATER." Better yet, develop an anchor that will help you further develop the habit. Learn more about this by listening to the podcast. 

Develop a system that keeps you running smoothly

This is VERY important. I can't tell you how many students I see who go through the hard work of the first two steps but then abandon the tool/system because they don't have a routine to help them easily maintain it and keep it running smoothly. Find out how to easily do this by downloading my FREE roadmap guide for this episode. 

Give yourself time and be patient

Developing new habits takes time. Be patient with yourself and your student. If something doesn't seem to be working, go back through the steps of the roadmap and tweak the steps. Make the system work for you and your needs. Resist the urge to stop using the system just because you hit a bump in the road. Don't forget to download the FREEBIE to help you along the way. 
​ 

Get the FREEBIE: The #1 Paper Management Tool for Students

Did you like the show? Please take a moment to leave a review for me on iTunes or BlogTalk Radio. I love hearing from you. I'd really love it if you hit "subscribe" on iTunes or "follow" on BlogTalk Radio too so you never miss an episode.