In the words of Lord Chesterfield, “Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves.” Time is one of those precious things that has the power to turn you into a billionaire or a beggar at the same time. All that you need to do is to take control over time before it takes control over you. It is the most valuable coin in your life and you being the owner must determine how, where and when to spend it.
Charles Darwin, an English naturalist and geologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution once said, “A man who dares to waste an hour of life has not discovered the value of life.” Definitely, time is the key to success. It is an undeniable truth that every living being into existence has a limited span of time; the only difference being that some have a more while some have a little less than others. The ultimate purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
While in the years of education, time management is one of the most important things to give a start to your career. Once you reach your teenage, you must follow the route to effective time management. Always remember, in your life you are granted with a good news and a bad news. The bad news is that time flies; while the good one is that you are the pilot.
Got confused with ‘to do’ and ‘what not to do?’ Which task to be put first on your priority list and which one to be put last? Don’t worry we are here to help you out. Let’s first be clear what time management actually is. And then we will learn the tips to effective management of time.
What is time management?
“Time management” is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities. Good time management enables you to work smarter, not harder – so that you get more done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. Failing to manage your time damages your effectiveness and causes stress, along with tons of disappointment. It brings to you poor professional reputation and a stalled career.
Just like each one of us gets only 24 hours a day, time management is something that is important for every living being in order to follow the path of success. We often subscribe to the idea that “staying busy” means we are working hard and we rest assured of our success. Well, such thoughts unfortunately, prove us wrong. For instance, if you spend your whole day completing numerous tasks at a time, you would end up messing all the tasks and neither of your efforts would give you the end result. Rather, if you would have allotted few hours separately to each of the important tasks, all of them would have been completed efficiently at the end of the day. This is where we realize the importance of effective time management. Thus we need to learn how to work smarter and not just harder.
Tips to effective Time management-
Let us go through a few of the very essential hacks for time management for students:
- Set your priorities straight
Without first setting your goals straight, it is impossible to focus on them. That is why goal setting is so vital to time management and developing focus. Keeping your eye on a number of beneficial things to take your career to different heights is never wrong; whereas putting your hands on all of those tasks at a certain point of time would bring you trouble. In case, you are up to a number of things in your life, your first step must be to organize them. Categorize your goals on the different primary areas of your life: a goal for your work or business, another for health etc.
- Let’s go back to school with a time table
Making a ‘To-Do list’ every morning and then following it throughout the day would certainly prove out to be one of those things that would make you feel satisfied at the end of the day. Your ‘To-Do list’ may be endless but it assists you to choose your top priority task and complete it at each moment. Likewise, follow your schedule during the entire day to extract out productivity from the days of your life.
- Get a good night’s sleep
Your brain needs rest to perform at its peak. If it’s time to sleep, list the things you still need to cover up on the next day’s to-do list and go to bed. A minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep is a necessity for your body and mind to function optimally. Many think that scarifying sleep is a good way to hack productivity and wring a couple of extra hours out of the day. We are sorry to say but this won’t help you out. Listen to your body and do not underestimate the value of a good sleep.
4. Breaks are acceptable
A scientific fact proves that a human brain can concentrate for only 17 minutes in one go. Sitting in front of a laptop or keeping your books opened, while your mind is in an altogether different world, would make no sense. When you rush from one task to another without taking any breaks, it is difficult to appreciate your efforts of sitting continuously on the desk. Between tasks, go for a brisk walk, meditate, do something that will take your mind completely away.
5. Self-control does exist!
Taking breaks while studying is acceptable but turning your study time into relaxation time won’t be accepted. Time spent browsing or gaming or watching TV can be one of the biggest drains on productivity. You should be more aware of how much time you are spending on these activities. If you spend one hour on tv, it takes up another 10 minutes off your day because you think about what you saw later in the day. Imagine how much time you will waste if you spend 4 hours on TV or Internet.
- Health is wealth
Numerous studies have proved that there is a perfect equation between a healthy lifestyle and work productivity. Getting enough sleep, exercising and eating healthy food boosts energy level and allows you to focus more easily.
- Bring technology into existence
Technology is for your good. Use your gadgets for productive purposes. Use a calendar app or calendar notebook every day. It keeps a record of every important task and reminds you in time. It is an efficient tool for time management. Utilize your travel time reading a novel or a PDF on your cell phone. Make use of the interstices during your day using technology.
- Be your own boss
Learning how to do a weekly review is one of the best time management habits for you to develop. While reviewing look for loose ends, meetings and other matters that need further attention. Examine your weekly performance, be proud of your achievements and scold yourself for your mistakes. Remember, you are your best teacher.
Always keep in mind that there’s only one thing more precious than our time and that’s who we spend it on. Never mistake your movement for achievement. It’s easy to get faked out by being busy. The question is: “Busy doing what?” Realize the value of your time and make the best out of this one birth granted to you. For, life well lived, is long enough.
We have our own course material, doubt sessions, videos and practice questions that will provide time management for students.
