ABC, easy as 1-2-3 (or maybe not)

Everyone tells you going into seminary that there's no possible way to do all your required reading (not to mention the "recommended" reading. Let's be real, here, guys).

But still, doesn't every nerdy little first year feel like they will be the one to finally accomplish ALL the reading?

No? Just me? Well, okay. I used to feel that way. For about two weeks.

I guess it's just the perfectionist in me...I want to do all my work, and I want to do it well. Oh, and I'd like to make all A's while I'm at it, as well as help provide for my family financially, be part of a church congregation and small group, and engage in organizations and community outreach in meaningful ways. And have friends. And stay married. Sounds good, right?

Yes, that marvelous dream shattered yesterday.
(Just the schoolwork part, not the married or friends part. Don't fret.)

Now, obviously I'm not saying that I'm going to quit doing any work at all. But my methods and priorities are definitely going to need to change. I've only been out of school for a year, but I honestly think I just forgot how to read and study.

I've been reading all my books and articles closely, underlining as I go, and then going back and taking copious notes in my spirals on what I underlined (can you tell I don't have a job yet?).

Yesterday afternoon, I was getting really stressed out about how I was even going to retain this vast amount of information. But after talking with Travis, I reviewed my study methods and basically went, "What the whaaat? How do you think this is even beneficial? You never used to read like this, and you graduated with a 4.0. Plus, you're running out of pens already. And we don't have money to buy more."

So, here is what I have determined to change:

• Mark up only the main ideas in my books...not so many details.
• Type at least some of my reading notes instead of writing them out (this may seem obvious, but I've always been a much bigger fan of handwritten notes).
• Read faster. Not necessarily speed reading, but again, just not getting bogged down in details. More like skimming, I guess.
• Set reasonable goals for how much I will study in a day, balanced with family and other activities. Even if this means I don't finish reading certain things.
• Focus on learning and understanding what I'm reading, rather than just getting everything accomplished.

Pretty easy, I know, but I kind of just forgot how to be a student. Hopefully this will be a post I can return to if I feel overwhelmed by work in the future.

So, it's all on you now. You guys better hold me to this or you'll never see me again for the next three years. :)