Do you wake up late and have to rush to class?
Are you always finding yourself getting to bed completely exhausted and much later than you’d planned?
Is a large part of your day taken up with procrastination?
If your answer yes to one or more of these questions, you may need some help in the time management department. So here we go!
1. Perfection is unrealistic
These days the new perfection is ‘good enough’. I’ve said in the past that doing your best is important, and that’s true, but you have to do your best in a realistic time frame. Don’t overthink things or invest more effort than needed, as this will cost you extra time that you could be spending getting other important jobs done. Let’s face it, 80% of what you’re doing today will have no lasting impact on your life so make sure you channel your energy into the things that matter.
2. Focus
Use the 15-30 minute rule. If you have a big task to complete, say tidying a room or finishing a report, focus on it solely for 15 minutes. Often you’ll find that you get into the swing of it and will finish the activity, if you don’t, just take a break for 10 minutes and then focus for 15 again. Work up to focusing for 30 minutes. It will help if you turn off your phone notifications and play some music. For study, I wrote an article on helpful music to get your brain into gear, go check it out!
3. Make a shopping list
We waste a lot of time in the shops, looking for things and getting distracted. Make a list of food you usually buy or want to start buying and each week set a time to go into the shops. Never sway from your list, if you see something you want, add it to next week’s list. If you want to save even more time, order it online for pick up!
4. Multitasking isn’t the answer
Sometimes life calls for multitasking and it’s great to know how to work under pressure, juggling multiple things at once. However on a regular day, multitasking is likely to leave you with half-finished jobs and a higher level of stress. So remember, focus on one task at hand, get it done, tick it off your list.
5. Say no
It can be hard to turn down invitations for social events but in the long run, you’ll thank yourself. In saying this, all work and no play is no fun at all! Try to skip the social events during the week and leave your weekends free to hang out with friends. Again, this will help with your stress levels and time management and you’ll be able to party on the weekends, guilt free.
