Expecting the Unexpected: Prep Tool for changes in your Schedule

Written By Emily Bottegal, MS
 
 

From traffic, to changes in schedules, to the cafeteria running out of your favorite turkey sandwich, or a coworker/teacher being absent — our days are filled with unexpected events and changes. This does not always feel good - oftentimes our immediate reaction is to shut down, get frustrated, and sometimes even results in physical symptoms like a headache.

Think about your day - what do you need to be flexible with? Are there certain times in the day you are able to be more flexible?  How does it feel when you have to make those adjustments or changes?  

If we have experienced situational flexibility before, we are often more open to applying a solution. For instance, if we know there is traffic, we might leave earlier or take another route. But we can’t always predict the future, and if traffic occurs unexpectedly, it can lead to stress in the moment (especially if you’re already running late!).

So what can we do? 

It’s important to first understand the end point.  What does the finish line look like? 

When you have a few minutes, try creating a table to help plan for the “what-if” situations: 

  • Column #1: Write down the situations that may require flexiblity.

  • Column #2: Write down potential (or previously used) solutions that you could apply to that situation. 

  • Column #3: Write down what resources or tools you may need to make those new solutions happen. 

Save this table to your phone or take a picture of it so you always have it handy.

The more you prepare and practice, the more comfortable you will feel in managing those uncomfortable times!

Emily Bottegal, MS

Ensuring students achieve academic, social/emotional, and personal success, Emily has a passion to empower students to succeed in and out of the classroom. Emily coaches from a strength-based approach and believes every individual has the ability to achieve success with the appropriate support and skills in place. She has dedicated her professional life to working with youth in school and community settings. 

Prior to joining the team, Emily worked as a School Site Coordinator and Home-Based Counselor in the Washington, DC area. In these roles, Emily engaged directly with students through individual counseling sessions and small group interventions focused on helping students meet personal goals relating to academics and managing emotions. Her direct experience helped her to understand the challenges individuals face both academically and personally, ultimately leading to her developing lessons around time management, scheduling, study skills, and organization. 

Most recently, Emily worked at a nonprofit, helping secure specialized instruction and support necessary to improve educational outcomes for low-income children with learning disabilities and developmental delays.

Emily has a Master’s degree in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

http://www.lifesolvedcoaching.com/who-we-are
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