Set Up and Format Your Spreadsheet

In this video, you will organize your spreadsheet and then you will add steps to help you reach your goal.

Breaking your goal into smaller steps helps you feel accomplished throughout the process.

As you complete each step, you’re one step closer to reaching your goal.

To begin, add column headers to the top row of your spreadsheet.

A "column header" describes the type of information that is listed in the cells of the column.

Headers help organize the information you’re going to enter in the spreadsheet.

The column headers for your schedule should describe the information you will add to track your goal, like tasks, due date, and status.

Next, "bold" the headers so they stand out from the other text.

Then "freeze" the top row so that it stays in place when you scroll down the sheet.

This makes it easier to view your header when your spreadsheet is really long.

Now, break your goal into steps.

For example, if your goal is to "improve your test scores in a class," think about the steps you need to take to improve them.

To improve your score on your next test, you might need to: Read the material that will be covered in the test, complete assignments, review outlines, and take practice tests.

These are just examples.

Your steps will look different, depending on your goal.

When you’ve listed all of the steps, "wrap" the text in the column, and adjust the column width to fit the column’s contents, so your steps are clear and easy for you to read.

Now it’s your turn: Create column headers, bold text and freeze the header row, list your tasks, wrap the text, and adjust column width.