University can feel like a constant game of catch-up, where every quiz, assignment, and paper seem urgent. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea that you need to be good at everything—that you need to give your best effort in every single task. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be great at everything. In fact, it’s smarter to pick your battles and focus on what really matters.
I used to get caught up in perfectionism—at work and at school. If I had an assignment that should take me two hours, I’d end up spending four, just to make sure every detail was “perfect.” The result? It wasn’t efficient, it didn’t necessarily improve the quality of my work, and it affected other tasks I had to get done. Perfection is an illusion and, as one of my professors pointed out, it doesn’t exist in the real world. On the job market, there isn’t time for such perfectionism, nor is it recognized or valued. I learned this the hard way—experiencing the job market in a fast-paced industry as soon as I completed my first diploma.
Now that I’m back at university, it’s been hard to resist the idea that we all need to be constantly productive. It’s like we’re supposed to be machines, cranking out perfect grades on everything. But the truth is, there’s no way to be on top of everything at once. University is about being smart with your time, not burning yourself out trying to be perfect at everything. So, don’t be afraid to let go of the idea that you have to do well at everything. Focus on the things that will really move the needle in your academic success.
One of the best ways to approach this is by prioritizing. Start by looking at your courses and assignments and figuring out what will have the most impact on your final grade. Let’s say you’ve got a quiz that’s worth 5% of your final grade. Sure, it’s important, but it doesn’t require the same amount of attention as a big term paper or final exam worth 40%. I know it might feel weird at first—like you’re slacking off on something important—but trust me, being strategic with your time is what’ll make a difference in the long run. If you spend hours studying for a quiz that barely affects your grade, you’re robbing yourself of time you could spend preparing for something that matters more. Once you figure out what matters most, you can start allocating your time effectively.
It’s also about letting go of the pressure to do it all. You don’t have to be perfect in every class or get top marks on every assignment. Aim for “good enough” on the smaller tasks and focus your energy where it counts. And I know it can be hard to let go of that idea of perfection, but remember, university is about making progress and doing your best where it’ll count.
One of the hardest parts of university is figuring out how to manage everything. And that’s where SASS comes in. If you’re struggling to figure out how to prioritize your time, how to stay on track, or even how to study more effectively, SASS has a ton of great resources to help. For example, Fall into Focus is a peer-driven space where you can join other students working on their assignments. It’s perfect for getting feedback on your writing and staying productive. If you’re working on an essay or even preparing for a big exam, it’s a great spot to focus and get that extra help when you need it.
If time management is where you’re feeling overwhelmed, booking an appointment with an Academic Skills & Writing Specialist could really help. They can help you come up with a plan that works for you, whether it’s creating a study schedule or tackling the mountain of assignments. Sometimes just having someone else help you break things down can make everything feel a lot more manageable.
And if public speaking is something you struggle with, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Speak Up, SASS’ interactive workshop series, can help you develop the skills you need for everything from class discussions to academic presentations. You’ll get the tools to feel more confident and prepared when you have to stand in front of the class.
Finally, if writing is where you need support, the Peer Writing Assistants at SASS are a huge help. Whether it’s organizing your thoughts or getting feedback on your drafts, they can guide you through the writing process and make sure you’re on the right track. Writing doesn’t have to be a solo struggle when there are people who can help you sharpen your work.
At the end of the day, university is about learning how to manage your time and energy, not trying to do it all. Focus on what’s most important, use the resources at SASS to help you stay on track, and don’t forget: you don’t have to be perfect at everything to succeed.
Maria