Time Management: The Secret to Success
Time management is the process of planning and controlling how much time to spend on specific activities. Good time management enables an individual to complete more in a shorter period, lowers stress, and more success in life. Here are just a few tips you can implement while studying to ensure you are making the most of your time.
- Prioritize your tasks
Being able to prioritize tasks is not easy and is a skill that you will develop over time but it is key in time management. Prioritize your tasks by starting with the most crucial one. Work on it until it is finished. Try to use a planner or a college calendar to break up big tasks and separate them into manageable chunks.
- Set Goals
Setting study goals will help you plan, focus and use your time for study effectively. If you set goals and stick to them, you will be more likely to stay motivated and achieve success in your studies. Studying can be tough, especially if you are fitting it with other commitments. So, when you achieve a goal make sure you reward yourself for your hard work. This could then motivate you to do work as you know there is a treat at the end!
- Avoid distractions
The effectiveness of your study time is only as good as your ability to focus and concentrate while studying. Choosing a quality study environment, decreasing any internal or external distractions, and limiting your multitasking can help make your study time even more productive and effective. If you lose focus when studying in one way for a long time, vary the ways you study. Try studying in one way for 20-30 minutes and then study using a different strategy. The variety can help refresh your focus.
- Make a schedule
Juggling multiple projects and deadlines at college can be stressful. When you're working on one assignment, it's easy to forget about another. You can help organize your deadlines and manage your time more efficiently with a proper schedule. Figure out when you're most productive and set time aside for homework and activities. Keeping a planner or digital calendar will help you keep track of your classes and assignments.
- Take a break between tasks
It is more difficult to stay motivated and focused when working nonstop on a lot of tasks. Allow some downtime between tasks to clear your head and refresh yourself. Consider grabbing a brief nap, going for a short walk, or meditating.
- Keep your Focus, track your time
Managing your time is important so that you're able to juggle your academic life with your commitments. At the beginning of each semester, make a plan for how you will manage your time. Start by reviewing your schedule and writing down your deadlines. Then make an overall plan for the semester which includes all your responsibilities – lectures, seminars, labs, clubs and societies, and keep adding to it.