Time Management Strategies

When talking about Time Management, most people want to increase their productivity. Start implementing some of these tips today, and you will get more and better work done in less time:

  • Write SMART goals down and check your list regularly.
  • Define your priorities and focus on one thing at a time.
  • Use a calendar or planner and plan your days, weeks, and even your semester.
  • Set yourself deadlines and reminders.
  • Understand where your time goes and start tracking your progress.
  • Set yourself little challenges such as “I will get this done in 2 hours”.
  • Use your time wisely, do reading on the bus or train, use time in between classes for homework.
  • Do it now! Stop procrastinating! It’s all about getting started. Start now!

Procrastination

Procrastination can fundamentally undermine all of your time management systems. Asking yourself what is causing you to procrastinate is a critical first step in managing your time well. Tips to overcome procrastination include

  • Breaking large projects down into manageable tasks
  • Getting organized and coming up with a plan 
  • Boosting your self-motivation
  • Building up your self-confidence
  • Limiting distractions

Even if you have the best intentions to stop procrastinating, a lot can happen during a week that might hinder you in reducing your procrastination. Here is a list of reasons and strategies on how to overcome those roadblocks. Keep trying and practice the new life hacks explained in our videos.

One all-time favorite is the Pomodoro Technique, which can be easily implemented using an app such as Tomato Timer or Tide.

Download these templates in Microsoft Word to help get organized. Class Map (.doc) | Daily Scheduler (.doc) | Weekly Planner (.doc)

Curious?

Take a procrastination test to learn more about your own tendency to procrastinate, or watch this funny TED Talk “Inside the mind of a master procrastinator”! 

You can also watch a presentation on procrastination from Dr. Katrin Klingseick given on September 20, 2022, where she explains why we procrastinate, how it affects our lives, and how we can reduce it.