A couple of weeks ago, we talked about what it takes to be successful, but today let's discuss a guaranteed way to be unproductive -- unprepared. Think about it, have you ever started school unequipped with the right materials while your classmates came fully prepared? You start falling behind, not because you lack intelligence or the ability to do the work, but because you did not have the necessary supplies to be effective. That is why being organized is essential for your success in school. Some of the best students with exceptional grades are not necessarily smarter than everybody else, but they understand the importance of organization. Take some time at the beginning of each week, gather your schoolwork, clean out your backpack, and plan for the week. Being organized helps you show up prepared for school every single day.