Enrichment · Wellbeing

Ready for it?
Check before you commit.

Saying yes to a hard class, a tryout or a job is exciting; finding out in October that the week does not add up is not. Before you commit, write why you want it, rate four kinds of readiness, set the hours it needs against the hours you really have and name what you would drop and a first step. Compare a few options side by side.

Check a challengeWhat you get

Challenges

The worked example is made up: AP Biology next year, a spring musical audition and a weekend job. Saved on this device only.

Loading the challenge form. If nothing appears, turn on JavaScript.

What you get

Enrichment · WellbeingFree

What you finish with
A record per challenge: what, kind, start date, why you want it, four readiness ratings, hours needed and hours free, what you would drop, who backs you, a first step and three checks. Works out average readiness and the hours to spare or short; compares challenges side by side; flags a week that does not add up, low energy, a reason that belongs to other people and no first step.
Who it is for
Middle school, high school and college students deciding on a harder class, a team, a show, a job or a leadership role; parents helping them decide.
Format
Browser guide with a saved record per challenge. Prints one reflection, all of them in a table or a blank sheet; downloads a spreadsheet (.csv); exports and imports a file.
Access
Free. No account, no sign-in and nothing to install. Everything you type stays in this browser; nothing is sent to Caveat.
Where it lives
The Wellbeing space in Caveat Enrichment.
Support
Questions about access, an order or a correction: team@caveatacademic.com.

How to use it

  1. Write the challenge and why you want it.
  2. Rate four kinds of readiness honestly.
  3. Enter the hours it takes and the hours you really have.
  4. Name what you would drop and a first step.
  5. Compare options in the side panel before deciding.

Check a challenge

Readiness

Four kinds of readySkills and timeCan I start, or learn itfast?Do the hours fit withoutcutting sleep?SupportWho will back me when itgets hard?Who has done it before?Energy and reasonIs there room in meright now?Do I want this, or doothers want it for me?Four kinds of readySkills and timeCan I start, or learn it fast?Do the hours fit without cutting sleep?SupportWho will back me when it gets hard?Who has done it before?Energy and reasonIs there room in me right now?Do I want this, or do others want it for me?
Not ready yet is a fine answer. Often the plan is the same challenge one term later, with the first step done.

Sleep is the budget

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 8 to 10 hours a night for teenagers. When a new commitment comes out of sleep, grades and mood usually pay for it within weeks. Count the hours before you count on them.

Your reason matters

People keep going longer at things they chose for their own reasons, such as interest or a goal they care about, than at things they do mainly because others expect it. A reason that is only about other people is worth a second look.

Sources

  1. Paruthi, S., et al. (2016). Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: a consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12(6), 785 to 786.
  2. Ryan, R. M., and Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68 to 78.
  3. Gollwitzer, P. M. (1999). Implementation intentions: strong effects of simple plans. American Psychologist, 54(7), 493 to 503.
  4. CASEL. Self-management: setting goals and planning. casel.org.

The worked example is made up. Ratings are your own, not a test. Nothing you type is sent to Caveat. Support: team@caveatacademic.com.