Ever feel like your head is spinning? Going in circles like the hands on a clock? Then, my friend, I welcome you to the world of college, adulthood, or well life. When I first came to college, I let things flow, let the chips fall where they may with good faith things would come together. While that positive attitude is something you should strive for, the whole just hoping things will work out may not be the best case scenario.
After some time, I began to crave and mostly need this survival skill some call "time management." I thought that it just might make my life a bit easier and the spinning in my head to occur a little less often. Usually, I buy a planner every year and well, once it's in my bookbag I don't usually see it again until the end of the year when I clean my bookbag out. This year, I decided to do something a little different- I began using my planner. And to be honest, so far, it has actually worked out for me! Amazing! I know, right? I find that the more I separate my day into chunks, even an hour if need be, then my day seems to go better. I have begun to feel less stressed about the next part of my day because I basically have an agenda laying it all out for me.
Also, whenever I have learned of an event or major assignment or project in advance than I go ahead and make notes on my planner. It never hurts to get ahead and as a person who hates surprises, I would really hate to get one from myself. Life has enough curveballs. If I can make sure fewer come my way than I am in good shape.
As college students, we can be out of our minds busy with classes, studying, clubs, greek life, jobs, volunteer service, sports, and whatever else you may be a part of. With all of this in mind, I feel like we don't have time to not have time management. Entering my sophomore year of college, I have realized that now more than ever. While my journey at college is far from over, I know it will be over before I know it. So, considering this rare opportunity that I am fortunate enough to have received, I want to make the most of it.
Another flaw of mine when it comes to time management is being too involved. And yes, that is a thing. It can be fun to be a part of multiple clubs, organizations, activities, and other various things, but at the end of the day if it's interfering with your education then you need to do some serious reevaluating. Remember what is most important- your education. Sure, being involved on campus is another important factor to the college experience, but so is your sanity. It never hurts to do a self-check every now and then. Self-care is vital when it comes to time management. My piece of advice; keep a planner, use sticky notes, right notes, do whatever it takes.
Overall, time management is an essential skill that I definitely recommend for the life of an everyday college student.
