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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Halloween is a pretty good test of delayed gratification.
You come home with a bag full of candy, dump it on the table, and suddenly face some very important decisions. Do you eat all your favorites tonight? Save some for tomorrow? Or pretend you're going to make it last until Thanksgiving? 😂
Joking aside, delayed gratification is an important skill. It's the ability to resist an immediate reward in favor of something we want more in the long run.
And while that sounds simple, it's not always easy!
We see this with students who would rather scroll on their phones than start an assignment, adults who put off a task they'd rather not do, or anyone who chooses what's easy now over what will help them later.
The good news? Delayed gratification is a skill we can practice and strengthen over time.
Getting started
We can start small. Finish an assignment before opening an app. Tackle a quick task before settling in for the evening. Break a big project into smaller steps and celebrate progress along the way.
The goal isn't to never enjoy the immediate reward. It's to learn that we can pause, make a choice, and keep our bigger goals in mind.
And when we don't get it right? That's part of learning, too. Building new habits takes practice, not perfection.
So, this Halloween, enjoy the candy! Just remember that the skills we practice in small, everyday moments can help us with much bigger things down the road.
Although, if you manage to make that Halloween candy last until Thanksgiving, I'd love to know your secret!
A Great Week Starts with a Great Plan.
The Student Weekly Planning Checklist helps students turn good intentions into a clear plan. Designed to support executive functioning skills, this simple tool guides students through reviewing assignments, planning their week, breaking down projects, and staying on top of responsibilities. A few minutes of planning each week can reduce stress, increase confidence, and help students feel more in control of their schoolwork.
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.