Time management for teens: Taking intermissions – Act III

All individuals need to take time to step back, reflect and plan. Intermission is an essential part of creating a better circus performance.

In Act I of this article series, “Time management for teens: Becoming ‘ringmasters’,” the topic of being the “ringmaster” of one’s life circus was explored. In Act II of this article series, “Time management for teens: Understanding roles,” key people and performers with strategies in the circus were identified. It is now time for Act III, the grand finale, of the circus series now that teens have an understanding of the need to take conscious control of their time and energy, be proactive about planning a schedule and to work effectively with others.

The grand finale of the circus will conclude with the objective of taking time for one’s self. This will be the “intermission” of the circus – to take time for you.

The intermission is used in a circus to give people and performers a break. What are teens doing to relax and reduce stress in such a fast-paced world? A suggestion could be as simple as planning a weekly family intermission. The family unit is under a lot of stress during the school year and could select a designated time for family to take some time off together and “clown around.”

They could play board, cards or back yard games, plan time at the local park, etc. The key is that you are all together with no expectations other than to enjoy each other, relax and have fun. This is important especially with teens in a leadership role as it is so easy to lose sight of what is important. All individuals need to take time to step back, reflect and plan. Intermission is an essential part of creating a better circus performance.

In the closing of this series, reflect, going through the exercise of talking about a circus and what you would expect to see or hear if you went to a circus. Use the same process for leadership or life. What do teens hope to see or hear when they are successful as a leader or a better ringmaster of their circus? Keep in mind that your circus is only as good as your next performance. Make time to get your act together, let performance begin and have a great “grand finale.”

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