I have this problem with always saying yes to things. I love being busy because it increases my productivity. Although I'd rather take a nap instead of go to a meeting, I secretly love having somewhere to go or something to do. My busy schedule means that I need to be a pro at using my time wisely. Here are my tips that any procrastinator can use to start managing their time better.
Understand how you are using your time
You can write it down on a scrap sheet of paper, plug it in your calendar, or use an app to keep track of your time. At first it will be shocking. You'll see just how many hours of Netflix you watch in a day or a week. You'll also get an idea of how many hours you are working on homework for each class. This will help you in a later step when you are planning your week.
Start your morning early
It may not be easy at first, but think about it. Everyone has the exact same number of hours in each day. Some people run successful businesses, some are single parents working a full time job and some are overwhelmed with unfinished to do lists. Even if you wake up an hour earlier, this is more time that you can use to be productive. I wake up at 7 every morning, even on the weekend. While my peers are easily sleeping until noon, I am finishing assignments, planning my week and working on side projects.
Make a list
Some people are completely against making to-do lists. This boggles my mind. I don't know how I would keep track of all the assignments I have to complete, people I need to reach out to, chores I need to get done, etc. Pen and paper is just fine; however, I use the app Todoist. It is a free app with premium features, which I subscribe to and is $30/year. Your Todoist app syncs with your phone, smart watch, laptop and can even integrate with your Gmail account. At the time this was published, I have completed 1,482 tasks in the year and half I have been using it.
I put everything on my list from painting my nails to studying for an exam. I love the feeling of accomplishment of crossing something off, no matter how big or small the task. Also jot down or type in the dates that things are due or will be happening. This will help you plan your day or week and prioritize your tasks.
Plan your week
Every Sunday I sit down and look at all of the assignments I have for class, projects I'm working on for work, when I'm scheduled for my campus job, and when I have meetings. All of these things get entered into my calendar. I block off between two and three hours at a time to work on homework or to study for a test. I know that personally, I can't be productive and 100% focused after the three hour mark. I schedule in the time when I'm going the gym each day. This makes it have just as much priority for my time as going to class does. If it's on my calendar for the day, I know it will happen.
Adjust these tips to your style
Everyone is different and I know these tips won't be useful to everyone in the same way. If you just can't become a morning person, don't force yourself to be. You can be just as productive late at night if that is how your body works. If planning your week seems too stressful to think about, start with planning a single day. Staying focused and getting your tasks done is the biggest problem for a lot of people. These tips will get you to a completed to do list and extra free time.
