Time Management

How exactly do you manage time?

Time management is a concept that many people struggle with, but how exactly can you manage time? There is only 24 hours in a day, no one can change that, but you can change the way that you spend your time. According to Billie Eilam and Irit Aharon, time management is influenced by 3 factors: behavioral, environmental, and personal. Behavioral factors relate to being able to observe and evaluate yourself academically. The use of planning aids such as calendars or a daily planner falls into the environmental factor category. The personal factor category ranges anywhere from goals you set for yourself to simply just believing in yourself and knowing that you can accomplish these goals. It can become overwhelming trying to lay out everything you need to accomplish and get done daily or throughout the month, but here are some simple tips that you can do to help you take control of your time.

Tip #1

At the beginning of every month write out everything that you need to do:

Homework
Tests
Appointments
Work related events
Leisure activities

Tip #2

Make a checklist where you prioritize things you need to get done by:

Importance
Value (i.e., points, grade weight, etc)
Due date

Tip #3

Set realistic and achievable daily, weekly, and/or monthly goals. Here are some examples:

Daily goal
1. Don't touch your phone while doing homework
2. Set a time limit for an assignment in order to get it done within a reasonable amount of time
Weekly goal
1. Finishing "x" amount of assignments
2. Working out "x" amounts of times
Monthly goal
1. Saving "x" amount of money
2. Getting all of your assignments done on time for the month

Tip #4

Creating SMART goals can help to make sure that you stay organized and get everything done in a timely manner.

S: Specific — Helps you identify exactly what you want to achieve

M: Measurable — Helps you to track your progress and to know when you've accomplished your goal

A: Attainable — Making sure the goal can be accomplished, and that it is not too simple nor too complex

R: Relevant — Making sure the goal is worthwile and fits in with your long term goals

T: Time-based — Knowing when you need to accomplish these goals by can help you establish some type of time management

Tip #5

Create a routine. Routines can make it easier for you to stick to your goals.

Example:

Wake up, eat, brush your teeth, etc.
Work out if needed
Look at your planner/calender and figure out what you need to do for the day
Prioritize assignments and begin
In between assignments eat and complete some self care!
Get your assignments done for the day
Enjoy some leisure activities and relax!

Tip #6

I can't begin to emphasize how important self care is. Taking care of yourself is the most important tip I can give. Some examples of self care are:

Eating at least 3 meals a day
Meditation
Yoga
Reading a book
Taking a bath
Going for a walk
Taking a nap
Coloring
Listening to music
Going for a drive
Etc, the possibilities are endless!

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