Real Change Takes Time
Photo by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I love coaching students. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching them grow into the capable, confident humans I already know they can be.
As an Academic Coach, one of the hardest parts of my job isn’t working with students, it’s walking alongside their parents. These are parents who see their child’s potential, know how bright they are, and desperately want them to succeed. But they often hope for that success on a fast-track timeline.
Here’s the truth I remind them gently, over and over:
Real change takes time.
I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating: in all my years of coaching, I’ve never worked with a high school student for more than a year who still needed academic coaching in college. Why? Because they had the chance to build systems, habits, and confidence while they were still under the structure and support of home.
Now, most of the students I work with are already in college.
Their families are excited for a fresh start. They recognize the need for support, and that’s why they reach out. The students themselves want to succeed. They’re smart, motivated, and eager to make the most of this chapter.
But many of them cruised through high school doing the bare minimum. They were bright enough to pull it off. And when they did struggle, their parents hired subject tutors, someone to help them complete assignments or pass the class.
What no one taught them was how to plan their week. How to block off study time. How to walk into office hours and say, “I’m lost, and I don’t know where to start.”
At home, parents made sure they woke up on time. They turned off the Wi-Fi at 10 PM. They collected phones before bed. Those strategies can be incredibly helpful in getting a teen to graduation.
Getting Started
But here’s what I want to say gently to every parent:
Don’t expect a miracle when your child moves away to college.
It takes time to learn how to manage yourself - your time, your energy, your motivation.
It takes time to learn how to leave the comfort of your dorm room and find a study spot where you can actually focus.
It takes time to build the courage to ask for help, especially when you’re not even sure what you need, just that you’re overwhelmed.
For most students, it takes two to three years to figure out the systems and strategies that work for them. That’s when they’re doing the work for themselves, because they want to grow.
If they’re doing it to meet someone else’s expectations? It might take even longer.
And I know, college is expensive. It’s supposed to take four years. Parents worry, and rightfully so. This is a big investment.
But let’s zoom out.
In the grand scheme of life, two or three years to learn how to manage yourself, take ownership, and become resilient? That’s not long at all.
We keep our eyes on the bigger picture: building a life with purpose, financial independence, and a deep sense of personal success.
That doesn’t happen overnight.
Real change takes time. And that’s okay.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.