Time management isn't an easy skill to master but it is a very important one. In the spirit of new year's resolutions here is a list of five easy tips you can use to better manage your time. You will be developing positive habits in no time!
1. Make to do lists.
Making to do lists helps you to keep track of everything you need to get done. When you start your day the amount of things you need to get done can seem overwhelming and that might make you feel like procrastinating. Write everything out that you need to get done and separate them into categories based on their priority. Color coding your lists can make them more fun to write and use, but will also show you which items are more urgent. Check everything off and take pride in every task you accomplish. Include everything you need to do, even the small stuff. You'll see all the check marks and feel productive and ready to tackle some of the more daunting tasks. It might also be beneficial to organize your tasks into sections based on what they pertain to, for example have a section for school, work and social (or whatever works for you). That way not only will you see the priority level of your tasks but it will show you the variety of things you can and will accomplish.
2. Assign yourself deadlines.
Deadlines add pressure and urgency to a task and encourage productivity; when your essay isn't due for another two weeks you might feel more inclined to ignore it until the night of. Make personal deadlines and try and stick to them. Tell yourself you need to run the errand by the end of the day or write your paper by the middle of the week. This keeps you on top of what you need to get done and gives you a little wiggle room if something comes up. This also applies to arriving places on time. Tell yourself you need to leave fifteen minutes earlier than you really do and build yourself some time in for an outfit crisis or heavy traffic.
3. Don't be afraid to say no.
I personally have a tendency to bite off more than I can chew and next thing I know I am spread way to thin. Remember that you want to give your best effort to everything you do, and you cannot do that if you have over booked yourself. Take a step back and decide what your priorities are and then set some goals that will help you maintain those priorities. After that everything is secondary. It's okay to say no to things that you aren't passionate about or won't help you reach your goals. That's not to say your passions can't change and take a new path but be aware of what you are spending your time on. Maybe your friends want you to go see a movie but you have homework to do. The movie could be fun and chances are the homework won't be but when you have a degree in a field you are passionate about that will be far more fulfilling-- think long term. Besides when you set goals for yourself and get things done early you will have time for fun and you won't have to say so many no's.
4. Devote all your focus to the task at hand.
This one goes hand in hand with being able to say no but can be a really tricky one. When you are working on something it can be very tempting to check your phone, go get a snack, start a conversation or do literally anything but the task at hand. If you throw yourself into your work one hundred percent things will get done quicker and with better quality. If you need breaks to stay energized give yourself a set amount of time to relax or accomplish one of the smaller tasks on your to do list. Find a space that best stimulates your creativity and motivates you. I've found being outside really helps me. If you are studying do you feel more driven by others at the library or alone in your room. If you need to clean does music help you stay focused or does it distract you? Be honest with yourself and do what will keep you the most focused not what is the most fun.
5. Remember why you are doing it.
Sometimes when doing a task that seems monotonous it's easy to lose sight of the point and that makes you want to blow it off. Try and remember the big picture and how happy you will be when you accomplish your goals. Let this new year be the year of your achievements!
