The Juggling Act: Conquering Our Chaos

By Jacob Ashley

Picture this: You’re hurtling through the air, juggling not one, not two, but three flaming spheres. One represents a terrifying, upcoming accounting midterm (sorry, Professor Eckroth, but I still have trauma), another is your part-time job, a third your sanity (precariously balanced on a rusty unicycle), and the rest a chaotic mix of family obligations, workout plans, and that novel you swore you’d finish “someday.” Welcome to the life of an MBA student (or, let’s be honest, any busy human being navigating the ever-shifting sands of academia, work, and life).

Now, before you start hyperventilating and picturing textbooks spontaneously combusting, take a deep breath. Because here’s the truth: while the juggling act might feel impossible, the good news is, you’re not alone. And yes, finance majors, real estate moguls in the making, and supply chain superheroes, I’m talking to you, too. The struggle for balance is universal, and the path to conquering chaos, while unique to each of us, shares some core principles.

First, ditch the unrealistic expectations. Those articles promising you’ll become a productivity ninja overnight? They’re selling snake oil. Real progress happens in baby steps, not superhuman leaps. So, celebrate the small wins – the conquered reading list chapter, the productive hour at the library, the kind “no” to that extra shift that would leave you resembling a sleep-deprived zombie. Remember, even the mightiest oak started as a tiny acorn, patiently gathering its strength.

Next, as uncomfortable as it may sound, we need to become prioritizing champions. Because sometimes, we have to learn to express the “no” we mentioned above. No to a social gathering during finals. No to the type of fast-paced trip on spring break that leaves you needing a vacation from your vacation (you know what I’m talking about). But also, no to the guilt trip that tells you relaxation is a luxury you can’t afford. Saying no frees up space for the things that truly matter, fueling your passions and keeping you sane (remember the unicycle?).

Now, let’s talk tools. Your calendar is your battle plan, not your enemy. Block out time for studying but also for sleep, exercise, and those moments of pure, unadulterated fun. Experiment with the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in focused bursts with short breaks to avoid burnout. And for the love of all that is productive, ditch the multitasking myth. It’s a lie, plain and simple. Focus on one task at a time, and watch your productivity soar.

But there’s more to conquering chaos than just grand pronouncements. Here are some tangible steps you can take right now to reclaim your sanity and become a master juggler:

• Chunk it down: Break down large tasks into bite-sized, actionable steps. Instead of “study for the finance exam,” try “review Chapter Three, complete ten practice problems.” Smaller goals feel less daunting and lead to a sense of accomplishment.
  
• Embrace the power of 15 minutes: Can’t seem to find time for that workout? Commit to just 15 minutes of exercise. You might be surprised how often those 15 minutes turn into an entire session.
  
• Befriend the “mini-deadline”: Set realistic daily deadlines to keep yourself on track. Did you schedule two hours for studying? Divide it into two mini-deadlines with a short break in between. This strategy helps maintain focus and avoids that last-minute scramble and the crippling anxiety that comes with it.
  
• Track your time (but don’t obsess): Use a simple timer or app to track how you spend your time for a few days. This awareness can be eye-opening and help you identify areas for improvement. But use it as a tool, not a burden.
  
• Batch similar tasks: Maximize efficiency by grouping errands, emails, or phone calls. Answering 10 emails at once is often quicker than checking them individually throughout the day.
  
• Reward yourself (strategically): Celebrate your wins (with your support structure), but choose rewards that don’t derail your progress. Have you finished a tough chapter? Take a walk in the park. Have you conquered your inbox? Give yourself a treat. Or, if you’re over 21, have a glass of wine.

I just had the privilege of conducting an informational interview with Portland Leather Goods CEO and $100,000,000 entrepreneur Curtis Matsko, and this is what he had to say about goal setting: “You don’t always have to hit a big goal when smaller wins work just as well. Give me two and a half weeks to do anything. Working on the greatest subject I’m passionate about or the very worst, I can do it over two and a half weeks. But if you set six months for a big, brutal task, it only takes a few setbacks, and you’re thinking about quitting—so, shorter, more attainable goals. If I set three small goals per day in a month, I’ve accomplished 90 challenges. And celebrate those damn victories! Celebrate them with a smile. And celebrate them with your team!”

Now, back to the juggling analogy: Just like breaking up your goals into manageable tasks, the balancing act of a juggler isn’t about achieving some mythical state of perfect equilibrium. It’s about the constant dance of adjustment, the ability to shift and adapt as life throws its curveballs, and, ultimately, catching one sphere at a time, one after the other, until you’ve achieved your desired performance. Some days, you’ll drop one (it happens to the best of us!), but the key is to pick it back up, dust yourself off, and keep going.

Because ultimately, this crazy act of balancing school, work, and life isn’t just about ticking boxes and achieving some preordained definition of success. It’s about the journey, the experiences, and the lessons learned along the way. It’s about nurturing your passions, cherishing your relationships, and becoming the best version of yourself, one well-managed flame at a time. So, grab your metaphorical spheres, fears, or whatever else is near, and you feel you’re juggling, fellow professionals. Let’s conquer this chaos together. Remember, we’re all in this crazy circus act, and with a bit of support, a dash of humor, and a lot of self-compassion, we can survive and thrive. Who’s ready to turn this chaotic act into a magnificent performance?

(P.S. Finance folks, real estate rockstars, and supply chain whizzes, this advice applies to you too! The spheres might look different, but the principles of effective time management remain the same. Conquer your chaos and go forth and change the world!)