Dear Margot: How do I start locking in for school?

“Dear Margot, how do I start locking in for school? I want to take my classes more seriously and stay on top of my work, but I’m having trouble getting into the right mindset.”

Dear Reader, getting back into a school routine can be difficult, especially when you’re still used to the freedom of summer. Whether it’s staying up late, loving not having homework, loads of time on screen, or all the above. The best thing you can do is start small instead of trying to change everything at once.

You could start using a planner, checking what assignment is due next, and setting aside a little time each day to finish your work instead of leaving everything until the last minute. When you sit down to work, it can also help to keep your workspace organized and put your phone away.

Most importantly, don’t expect yourself to become perfectly organized overnight. Sometimes, motivation comes after you start, not before. Getting locked in is truly about building habits and staying consistent, even on the days when you don’t feel like doing anything. If you have already fallen behind, don’t spend all your time feeling guilty about it-you can do this! Once you get into a routine, schoolwork will start to feel less overwhelming and more like something you can easily handle. By the time the semester gets busier, you’ll be glad you started building those habits now.

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