Last Tuesday, I could be spotted speed walking down University Ave with pizza in one hand, coffee in the other, and 5 minutes to spare before my 5:40 p.m. chemistry lab commenced. This was the result of putting off the impending chem assignment until right before lab in order to nap, therefore leaving me with very little time to complete said assignment. Many would call this procrastination, but I proudly call this efficient time management.

How is that not procrastination you ask? Well, I not only made time to nap and finish my assignment, but I also had time for that mediocre slice of dining hall pizza, a coffee, and one a fantastic speed walking session. This is because I, like many others on college campuses, have perfected the art of time management.

Before you think I’m crazy, I will point out that I believe procrastination is a real problem for many, and that this article is not meant to be an out for them (well not entirely). There is a bit of a fine line between the two, but a general guideline to follow is that if the performance is still superlative, punctuality is in check, and stress levels are low throughout the entire cramming escapade, then it qualifies as an excellent time management venture. Well done.

That last point is important. The biggest attribute of a successful time-manager is maintaining low levels of stress. If leaving an assignment until last minute creates anxiety, then consider yourself more of a procrastinator. The task at hand should not progress into the waiting game that far if it inevitably engenders stress. (Don’t worry, though, because even the most skilled of time-managers have let the clock run that low once or twice).

As effective time managers, why do we let the clock run down so low? This is an excellent question, especially since the phrase time management entails we are on top of our game. Many times it is because we chose to complete other tasks first, leaving the most imperative task as the only task. This reduces stress and increases focus. Other times, our agenda is so jam-packed that we actually have no time until deadlines force us to make the time. In this case, we are still able to stick to the guidelines (as noted above).

Not everyone is last-minute material. We are all successful in our own ways. Some students are on top of their game when they complete work the day it is assigned. In my book, you are on top of your game if you know the last possible minute that you can start and successfully finish an assignment.

So yes, I generally finish assignments the day before the deadline. I consider speed walking an effective form of cardio, waking up and getting to class on time 15 minutes later a successful morning, and consuming pizza and coffee on the way to my 5:40 chem lab a scheduled masterpiece.

Let’s face it: life can be stressful. Our fast-paced lifestyles will always be packed with deadlines, but building strong time management skills now will make for a simpler road ahead. Just remember: coffee is your friend, time is the enemy, and good time managers will (nearly) always come out on top.