The start of a new semester is a fresh opportunity. If last semester didn’t go quite the way you hoped—missed deadlines, surprise quizzes, lower grades than expected—it’s easy to let those negative memories linger. Our brains are wired to hold onto the tough moments. But instead of letting them weigh you down, you can use them as fuel. Think of those memories not as failures, but as reminders of what you don’t want to repeat. This is the semester where you take action for your future self.
Executive functioning skills—like time management, planning, and self-regulation—are the tools that will set you up for success. Let’s break down some practical ways to put them into action as you begin the semester.
Step 1: Master the Syllabi
One of the most powerful first steps you can take is to get ahead of your deadlines. Professors often give you all the information you need right at the start, but it’s buried in 10–20 page syllabi across multiple classes.
Action Plan:
- Go through each syllabus and note what is due each week.
- Add weekly Office Hours into your calendar.
- Identify how you will be graded (quizzes, exams, essays, participation, online posts, etc.).
- Mark down big deadlines like midterms and finals.
This step may feel overwhelming, but remember: the upfront time you spend here is an investment your future self will thank you for.
Step 2: Make It a Ritual
If “going through syllabi” sounds boring (and let’s be honest, it can be), change the environment and turn it into a ritual you enjoy:
- Sit outside in the sun.
- Go to a coffee shop and treat yourself to your favorite drink.
- Pair up with a friend and tackle it together.
By connecting the task with something enjoyable, you begin to rewire your brain. Instead of focusing on past mistakes, you create positive associations with the habits that help you succeed.
Step 3: Time Management in Action
Once you’ve pulled out deadlines, it’s time to structure your time.
- Use a planner, app, or digital calendar to track weekly assignments and exams.
- Break down big tasks into smaller steps (e.g., start a paper by choosing a topic, finding sources, and writing an outline before the final draft).
- Set reminders so deadlines don’t sneak up on you.
Remember: planning isn’t about being perfect, it’s about reducing the stress of last-minute scrambles.
Step 4: Self-Regulation for Success
When negative thoughts creep in—“I’ll probably just fall behind again”—pause and reframe.
- Instead of dwelling on the past, ask yourself: What can I do right now to make my future self proud?
- Practice short breaks, exercise, or mindful breathing to reset your focus.
- Celebrate small wins along the way.
Final Thought
Starting strong this semester doesn’t mean being flawless. It means putting systems in place so you can bounce back faster, stay organized, and reduce stress. Your brain may naturally cling to last semester’s struggles, but you have the power to flip that script. Let those memories motivate you to take action today.
Future you is already grateful.
Adult Co-Working Accountability Group
We all know how tough it is to start—and stick with—a difficult task. That’s especially true for projects that feel big, boring, or overwhelming. Sometimes willpower just isn’t enough. That’s where body doubling comes in. It’s a simple, proven technique that provides the gentle accountability and external motivation you need to finally get things done.
Our weekly virtual group provides a focused space to tackle your to-do list, plan your week, or make progress on those challenging projects. You’ll work alongside a community of people who get it, with mini-lessons on topics like time management and organization available if you need a quick boost.
Join us and turn procrastination into productivity.
- Meets Mondays from 5 – 6 pm via Zoom*
- Agenda:
- State your intention (what will you work on?)
- Set a timer for 20 minutes of focused work
- 5 minute body movement break (helps restore focus)
- 20 minutes of focused work
- Share what you accomplished
- State your plan for the rest of the week
*Private group meetups and pricing are available for teams.
$300 per month
Corporate Testimonial:
“Christine did a remarkable job covering a very broad topic—neurodiversity in the workplace—during our monthly Lunch & Learn. From our first contact, she was responsive, flexible, and open to feedback, creating a presentation that was perfectly tailored to our team’s specific needs.
Her knowledge and passion for the subject were clear, and she used specific examples and research to make the talk both engaging and valuable. Our team got so much value from her presentation and walked away with a deeper understanding of how to better support and engage with our neurodivergent colleagues.”
Dana Piercey, Operations Manager, Swissnex
