Entry #6 Time Management

Running out of time?

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Whether you struggle with maintaining good time management or struggle with procrastination, it is incredibly easy to feel like you do not have enough time to complete tasks that you either want or need to complete, whether you are a student or not. There are several ways to improve your time management, but today I thought I could focus on two options that have helped improve my time management skills as someone who struggles with procrastination. 

Calendars 

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There are two different types of ways one can keep a calendar to help improve time management skills. The first way one could keep a calendar is by making a weekly calendar. By using this type of calendar, you list all events or commitments that occur on the same day and at the same time, such as a class or work schedule, a fitness schedule, or a time to study. Another way to keep a calendar is by making a monthly calendar. In using this method, you record any one-time events such as tutoring meetings, meetings with an instructor or work colleague, and any appointments. 

By keeping a weekly calendar, it is easy to see your weekly commitments and keep track of your daily responsibilities. Using this method can help you maintain a work-life balance and improve your ability to say no to others to stay on schedule. By keeping a monthly calendar, it is easy to see your due dates or one-time commitments at a glance and never fall behind on a task because you do not remember the due date or miss an important meeting. This method also makes it easier to stay on top of any events or commitments that are scheduled in the future and reduces the probability of double bookings. 

To-Do Lists 

Another way to help improve time management skills is to keep a list, and there are two specific ways I will be going over. The first way is by keeping a list to track any actions or events that are not urgent that you need to do next; this is known as a “Next” list, such as making an appointment, meeting others, and completing goals that are not urgent. The second way of keeping a list is to track any actions that need to be repeated numerous times and are directed at a common goal for at least 14 days; this is known as a tracking form. This form can help identify the inner (mental) and outer (physical) actions needed to achieve your goal. 

The benefits of using a “Next” list are numerous, but the main benefits are reducing stress by completing these tasks before they become urgent; it eliminates the burden of trying to remember a number of small tasks. By using a tracking form, you can get a visual of your habits and use that to realize you might need to do more to achieve your goal, or it can be used as a way to maintain focus and effort towards your goal. 

Final Thoughts 

These options can help you get organized and feel more in control of your time. All of the options mentioned have helped me greatly with improving my time management skills, especially since I am a full-time college student. This article from Coursera and Purdue Global also provides tips and strategies to better manage your time. I hope that these will be able to help you with your time management skills! Please let me know if these are helpful or if you have your own techniques for maintaining your time.