How many times have you been in this position? Today is Monday… okay, okay I have PLENTY of time to get done with everything this week. Hours of school, work, social activities happen. It’s Sunday already? I haven’t done anything yet! Well, time to cram and hope I finish this before 11:59 tonight…
Maybe you have experienced something similar, or experience this almost every week of the semester. A lot of the times we can find ourselves thinking, “I just don’t have time!” Well, I’m here to bring you some of the best time management skills to ensure your Sunday nights are not just for Netflix and pints of ice cream. Here are six tips to get you working smarter, not harder.
1.Prioritize
So yes, maybe you do need to get a pedicure you’ve been putting off since November, although this doesn’t seem to be as important as your nutrition assignment for your online class. Prioritizing your tasks is a great way to make sure that the important stuff gets done first. If you have time to complete the more miniscule and smaller tasks you won’t feel guilty knowing all your important deadlines are already completed.
2. Plan
One of the best ways to manage your time is to keep tabs on everything you need to complete that week. What better way to do that than writing it down! Whether it be an itemized list (using the technique above with prioritization), or keeping a planner with you, writing down your “to-do’s” is essential. Here’s a link to my favorite planner I use regularly.
This planner is awesome because it gives you plenty of space to write detailed information, and there’s space on the sides to give you an overview for the week. For example, in the calendar section I would write “Study for NTS 425 for 1 hour” and “Study for HS 303 for 1 hour” and on the side spaces I would write study for these classes: NTS 425, HS 303.
3. Collaborate
There is no shame in asking for help. Sometimes it can be difficult to complete everything by yourself. Especially when in the workplace it is crucial to ask for help when appropriate. For instance when working on a group project for an important class, divvying up work for all group members helps to get the work done quickly and more efficiently.
Also, setting study dates with others can help you stay accountable for getting things done. (Of course, this only works if you are able to stay focused with the person you are with!)
4. Start it Early.
Procrastination. A best friend and also the worst enemy. One of the best ways to combat procrastination is by starting your tasks early. Duh! I know, super obvious. The less obvious piece is immediately breaking large tasks into smaller tasks.
A lot of times we put stuff off because it feels big and daunting. Let’s say a 10-page essay is due in a week. Write in your calendar for specific time slots: “1-2 pages of my essay” on your calendar for 5 different days. If you do this, then the night before it’s due you only have to write 2 more pages and do your edits.
Beginning tasks early can help you complete tasks in increments and make it easier to finish rather than trying to complete the whole thing in one sitting.
5. Create Personal Deadlines
Be strict with yourself! Setting deadlines will help hold yourself accountable. Completing an assignment that is due on Sunday on Friday night will help you to complete other more important tasks. Plus, plan ahead. If your bestie is coming to visit that weekend, then setting a personal deadline of Friday night will free up your weekend so you can hang.
6. Turn Off Distractions
Let’s admit it – an hour of “studying” while responding to calls and text messages is not the same as an hour of “studying” with our phones off. Phones are a time-suck. The simple act of putting your phone on airplane mode can be a game-changer in terms of getting things done.
Hana Bennett, UCAN Manager