Time Management

Time Management

The best way to use your time effectively is to create a formal time management plan. It makes it easy to see what must be done and when. You’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment when you check items off. You might even find you have more free time and less stress.

Making a Time Management Plan

Here's how it's done. Get out a piece of paper, a pencil or pen, and a calendar, along with your class schedules.

  • List all your major tasks and goals for a particular time frame.
  • Assign priority rankings to your tasks and goals. This can be difficult. Start by breaking them into three categories (high, medium, low priority), then ranking each item within those categories from most to least important.
  • Begin plugging the most important items into your calendar. Make sure your deadlines are realistic. Don’t take too little or too much time to finish. For large or overwhelming tasks, try breaking them into smaller sub-tasks. Sometimes it can be easier to do a lot of little things over time than one large thing all at once.
  • Repeat the process with medium priority items.
  • Throw out your low-priority items. They’re either unnecessary or will take care of themselves.
  • Get to work. Tackle highest priority items first when possible. Guard yourself, because only you know if you’re cheating.
  • Post your plan where you can see it daily.