No thanks. I’m all set.

Creating systems and processes to manage and simplify tasks can sometimes feel so daunting to implement that many times students opt to stick with the status quo, however inefficient or ineffective their approach.

As adults, we understand that introducing new systems and processes will simplify things. Sometimes these shifts require a learning curve and always require flexibility and a willingness to try a new approach.

When talking to students about change and developing systems and processes to make things easier, their responses may sound something like:

“Maintain a filing system when I know it’s somewhere in my backpack or I can just ‘search it up’ on the computer? No thanks.”
“Track my homework via an app when I can rely on my memory? My memory has always served me well.”
“Use a calendar, even if it’s online and accessible via one click on my phone? That’s such a hassle to input everything.”
“Do pre-writing thinking and planning? I can just write off the cuff and be done quicker and it’ll be organized enough.”

Here are a few strategies to help students consider and then implement new systems and processes.

Start small and build gradually. Focus on one new system or process at a time.
Focus on the benefits. Connect it to their interests and values. If they value being organized or having more free time, frame the system as a way to achieve those values.
Acknowledge that change can be difficult and takes time. Whatever their passion or interest outside of school, remind them that it took time, practice and perseverance to get to where they are today.
Set realistic expectations. Remember the long game. Small steps forward are still steps in the right direction.
Offer a voice and a choice. Guide don’t tell. This will increase their buy-in and ownership.