By Ivana Ng | @deca.ivana | Westwood DECA, TX
As high school students, school, extracurricular activities, clubs, and even work can take up most of the very limited 24 hours we have each day. DECA is time-consuming; whether it's preparing a 20-page paper or studying for a test, finding time to fit DECA into our daily schedules can be hard.
Here are tips on how to fit DECA seamlessly into your daily calendar:
1. Create a schedule
Use a calendar app or planner you use most, and create a separate color/tab for DECA. Plan each task and due date for yourself and your teammates (this is the hardest part!). An example can look like “October 10th - Introduction of the written paper needs to be completed”; these deadlines should be harsh. Keep yourself accountable so that the work doesn’t pile up during other stressful moments in your life.
2. Start early
DECA may seem like a lot to handle at once, but by spreading tasks across multiple months, writing your paper or studying for your roleplay can feel like 15 minutes a day. Start NOW! Even if your chapter hasn’t begun the process yet, take the initiative to start practice tests on DECA+ or begin preparing your paper. The earlier you start, the less stress builds up right before competition while you’re juggling everything else in your life.
3. Find a routine for YOU
Everyone works differently, so find a routine that works for you. Maybe you need to grab a bite or a fun drink to stay motivated and create your best work. Or, try a new work routine, like working in short increments with breaks. When you establish a routine that truly benefits you, managing everything may seem a little easier.
4. Reach out for advice
Sometimes DECA may seem overwhelming because you simply need guidance. Your officers, advisors, and even other students in your chapter are usually always happy to offer a helping hand! Rely on the resources around you to navigate through DECA so that you can still balance the rest of your responsibilities.
Final reminder:
Here is a reminder that this article is titled “Work-Life-DECA”. Although DECA and other academic responsibilities are important, don’t forget to include balancing ‘life” too! Hang out with friends, play your favorite sports, or try out a new hobby!
