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by Jonathan Choi
As the school year begins, we students must juggle homework, sports practices and games, music rehearsals, volunteering, work, and chores. I identify with and even exemplify the struggle. Even though I questioned why I was the one writing this article, as a senior, I think I at least know the theory. So how can we best manage our time? Use PB&J!
Prioritize
The first step is prioritizing. A useful tool is the Eisenhower matrix from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. It looks like this:
I suggest drawing one out for yourself or finding a blank template online. From there, you should first work on quadrant I because those things are important and the most urgent. Next, you want to schedule and plan for the things in quadrant II since they are important but not urgent. Over time, you should have less and less in quadrant I as you work more proactively. Plan using google calendar, to-do lists, a physical planner, or whatever else works for you. When scheduling, schedule things concretely. Don’t just say you need to do this certain assignment by a certain time. If it is a big assignment, task, or goal, break it up into concrete steps and make deadlines for each one.
Be Efficient
Once you know your priorities, you can save a lot of time by working efficiently. Find a studying method that works best for you, whether that be grinding for 4 hours at a time or using the Pomodoro technique, which is 25 minute sessions separated by 5 minute breaks. Set up a good work environment. Cut out all distractions. That includes habits like keeping your phone completely out of the room or at least putting it on “do not disturb.” Even just the presence of the phone reduces efficiency (Ward et al., 2017). Don't go to other websites while working on something. Do one assignment at a time. Also, make sure you are understanding, not just completing. Use the Feynman technique, which involves explaining ideas in your own words as if to a child (Subject Guides: Study & Revision: A Practical Guide: The Feynman Technique, n.d.). Anything you stumble over or struggle to explain simply is where your understanding is limited. Go back and fill in the gaps in your knowledge. Continue to polish your explanations until they are clear and simple.
Just Do It
At the end of the day, you have to just do it. Like anything else, whether it be practicing a musical instrument or working out, most of us will not have the motivation to do it all the time. Waiting for motivation will not work. Commit to working on something for 5-10 minutes. Often, all you need is momentum - once you get going, it can be hard to stop. Also, try to identify your intrinsic motivation. Why are you doing what you are doing? If you don’t have any passion for your research, if you are bored in your volunteer work, if you wish you could play another sport or instrument, it will be exponentially harder to find motivation. Of course, there are some things that are necessary, but even in those things, you can find intrinsic motivation. For example, for chores, you would want to help your parents out and not put extra stress on them.
Whether you are just starting to figure out time management or you are already a pro, these tips can help you succeed now and in the future. All you need is a PB&J.
Subject Guides: Study & revision: a Practical Guide: The Feynman Technique. (n.d.). https://subjectguides.york.ac.uk/study-revision/feynman-technique.
Ward, A. F., Duke, K., Gneezy, A., & Bos, M. W. (2017). Brain drain: The mere presence of one’s own smartphone reduces available cognitive capacity. Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, 2(2), 140–154. https://doi.org/10.1086/691462.
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