Keeping a schedule book might be one of the most important things you can do to keeping yourself on track both in school and in your day-to-day life. What medium you choose to do this in is entirely up to you. Many people keep their schedule on their cell phones, their laptops, their blackberries, or in a book. Regardless of which medium you find most convenient, implementing and maintaining a schedule is an important thing to do. The following will show you the most successful ways to implement a schedule and how to best maintain it.

The best scheduling books and programs seem to be the ones that allow you to not only look at the current day, but the entire week, as well. This allows you to plot your week in advance so that you’re not surprised day-to-day. This is only successful, however, if you start scheduling the right way.

First, at the beginning of each week, write down everything you have to do in that week. Write in tests and exams and important due dates, but also write down studying you know you’re going to have to do and other engagements. Also, if you know upcoming events further than that week, write those down, too.

Next, cross things off as you complete them. This has two benefits: first, you won’t think you have a bunch to do when it’s already been completed; and second, it will give you a sense of accomplishment. This will help keep you motivated and feeling that you are moving in the right direction.

Add things in as they come up, and get rid of things as they become unimportant. This is important because for a schedule to be useful it has to be up-to-date. This is also useful when looking ahead. Most people’s schedules don’t radically change from month to month, so keeping an accurate record of the current month’s happenings will help you effectively plan into the future.

And lastly, set realistic goals for yourself when scheduling. This means that you need to allow yourself some flexibility and down time. Look at your schedule as guidelines, not laws. Remember, this is a tool to help you and minimize your stress. Let it do its work!