Three Ways to Master Time Management

Posted on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2017

We’re getting into the busy part of the semester, when the list of midterms, projects, and assignments you have to do is starting to get pretty real. When this starts happening, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lose track of what needs to get done.

This is why time management is so important. And while we’ve looked at the basics of time management on this blog before, there’s more to discuss.

So today, we look at three ways to master time management and conquer your to-do list.

1. Figure out your time wasters.

If you really want to get serious about time management, you need to start by taking a look at what your current workflow is like. It’s hard to make positive changes without first identifying what aspects need to change.

For a week or so, track your time. Keep note of how much time you spend working, socializing, at school, doing homework, browsing the internet, etc. After a week, review it to see where time is being wasted—do you procrastinate before starting projects? Do you spend too much time watching Netflix?

To really identify where you’re losing time, you need to know your priorities. Socializing with friends is important, but it shouldn’t be more important than school, for example. Taking breaks is important, but it’s also important to manage your breaks so they don’t turn into procrastination.

Identify where your weaker time management areas are, and you’ll be able to manage around them.

2. Start your day with your hardest tasks.

When you sit down to get work done, you may put off your hardest or most annoying projects to focus on the easier stuff. This is totally natural, but it means that your harder projects will keep getting pushed further and further back.

It takes some discipline, but starting your day with your hardest tasks can really change your outlook on your workload. You’re energetic and focused when you first start working. By conquering those difficult tasks first, you’ll clear the rest of your day for easier projects and will feel so accomplished.

3. Avoid multitasking.

Despite what you may have heard, multitasking is not a good thing. It distracts you from what you need to accomplish, and disperses your focus from one project to all projects—meaning it takes a lot longer to get anything done.

Instead, commit to accomplishing milestones in your projects before you switch to a new project. Focus entirely on the task at hand—by dedicating yourself to your project, you will be more present and aware as you work. And that means you’re doing better work.

So don’t believe the hype—multitasking is bad.

With these three tips, you’ll set yourself up to manage your time really wisely. You’ll start to get over habits of procrastination, and get things done—at home, at school, and at work.

If you would like to learn more about the Algonquin College co-op program, please visit our website at https://www.algonquincollege.com/coop/, connect with us at coop@algonquincollege.com or call us at 613-727-4723 Ext.7623. You can also follow us on Twitter @AlgonquinCoop.

 


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