Since I started back to school this summer, we’ve talked a lot about how much I can handle. The first couple of weeks of my summer class were all about me getting used to having this new responsibility / schedule on my plate. All the while, I was debating whether to add a second summer class during July. This is a class I really want to take for several reasons, but there’s been one BIG issue that’s caused my to hesitate like a stubborn mule. The class runs from 8-10am Monday through Thursday. 8AM. That is so NOT in my Zone.
As Gretchen Rubin, points out in her article, knowing your “zone” and operating within it can be a contributing factor for Happiness. Your zone is that time period when you are at your best. 8am is so outside my zone. In fact, it’s before the zone where I’m typically even awake. Let alone alert and focused enough to give a speech (yes, the class is Speech). Yet, I’m still going to do it. I’m going to go very far outside my Zone to accomplish something I really want to do. It’s an instructor I really want to take, and it gets this class out of the way quickly. If this was an 8am class during a normal semester I wouldn’t even consider it. But, while it’s a stretch, I know I can do anything for four weeks. I know it will stress me out, and I know I probably won’t get used to the situation until about the time it’s over.
Luckily, in the fall I will be working well within my zone, with my classes running from about noon till 4 or 5 (at the latest). This will give me enough time in the morning to get a few things done, as well as plenty of time in the evenings to study and be a wife.
So, what’s your zone? I’m betting it’s not 8am (or is it?)
Tracy Lee Karner says
Congratulations on going back to school, and good luck. It’s exciting!
I finished my degree in English Literature with an Emphasis on Creative Writing (form the U of MN) in 2007 in 2 years. I started back at senior-status, having dropped out when Fibromyalgia hit hard in the 1990’s.
My zone: I function best from 8am – 2pm. Then I need a nap so that I can function pretty well from 3pm-8pm, but that’s the time in which I schedule the less brain-demanding tasks like shopping and fixing meals. And I fit in my exercise between 4:30 – 6:00.
Julie says
Sounds like you’ve nailed down your schedule really well so that you do the things you need to at the right time. Way to go!
Tracy Lee Karner says
It took a lot of adjusting; and I have a very supportive husband. Plus, my children are adults which gives me more freedom to do it my way.
Julie says
I’m sure it took a lot of trial and error. How long have you been sick?
Tracy Lee Karner says
Diagnosed in 1998 — symptoms started in the late 1980’s and became completely unmanageable in 1997.
Julie says
That was back when most doctors still didn’t know what Fibro was (let alone believe it existed). You’ve definitely had some time to learn to cope with it.
Tracy Lee Karner says
It’s definitely been an adventure! 🙂 (I wrote a memoir telling a little bit about it).