There are many formulas for success, do you have one? Making your own this year may take a load off your shoulders. Think of it as your “back-up” or insurance on yourself for class.

Here are some great tools and sites to add to your kit:

1. Time Tracker
   A to-do-list with a clock. This tool lets you know when you’re spending all of your time on one item, and alerts you to re-allocate time wasted to other efforts.
2. Co-mapping
   Online mind mapping software to manage and share information. You can use it to take notes, plan and organize. It’s a way to have one set of notes, and one set of files.
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From time to time your computer will suggest you update the software on your computer. Some of these may include windows updates, adobe updates, driver updates, wireless or wired device driver updates. These can be essential to the smooth functioning of your computer, and make it easier to work on certain programs for school.

View other tools and links to keep yourself prepared this year.

[Related Post: Take the Easy Road: Use More Shortcuts]

Even if the temperature gauge isn’t in the single digits where you are, it can still have an effect on your mood.

Cabin fever from a long weekend snowed in, or the desire to stay curled up in your bed are big deterrents from being productive and friendly with others. When is the last time you spent all weekend at home and left the house in a great mood, looking to chat up the first person you saw? Unless you’re extremely extroverted it’s typically not the case.

There are a few things you can do to fight off the winter grumps before spring:

• Don’t say anything negative about the season
• Buy yourself something that will keep you warm and comfortable
• Set up an in-house exercise routine
• Embrace the season by sitting by a lit fireplace with  a warm drink
• Use the cold weather outside as a good excuse for a marathon of your favorite shows and movies

Any method you choose should help in creating a new sense of calm and acceptance with the season. If anything you can create your own mantra “I will not get bad at the snow.” In this case, if life hands you snow make snowballs and throw them at your friends for fun.

- J. Mason

[Up Next: Hit the Ground Running Next Semester]

Finals have just ended, but a new semester is around the corner for a lot of online students. Even if your most recent classes were brutal, don’t take it easy just yet. Keep your motivation levels at their peak by creating a schedulefor your upcoming semester. You can create your own through your smartphone, a wall calendar, or by using a virtual calendar tool and timer. Whatever method you choose, seeing the actual assignments you have coming up will keep you in check.

Remember: “Out of sight, out of mind.”