“Time is what we want the most, but….what we use the worst” – William Penn

“I have all the time in the world” says no one nowadays. In this fast pacing and ever changing global environment, valuing time by carefully utilizing it is of utmost importance. Careful planning not only ensures that we complete all our tasks on time; it also helps us in becoming more efficient and enjoying each and every moment. Time management extends beyond planning our day; it involves taking proper time for ourselves and avoid wasting it on unnecessary activities.

We often end up wondering how someone is calmer, happier and more efficient at handling their daily activities than us. Are they more intelligent, more resourceful or do they have any secret mantra that we don’t know of? The answer to this is Time Management and following it diligently.

Another important element of Time Management is the art of saying NO to time wasters and unnecessary distractions. Being able to say NO not only depicts a great deal of self-confidence, it also helps in giving us clarity of thought and helps in focusing all our attention to our priorities.

As students, we all set our eyes on a better future where we see ourselves going to a good college, doing exceptionally well there and getting the job that is coveted by everyone. Our busy student lives sometimes leave us exhausted, tired and without any time to do the things that we actually want. With our packed schedules, classes, sports, extra curricular activities, we somehow feel that we are not doing enough. This is where the art of managing and allocation of time would come into play. An effective time plan put into action is the first step on the success ladder.

Try to keep these tips in mind as you schedule and calendar your time, and when making the moment-to‐moment decisions that are crucial to effective time management for balance and well-being.

Smart Tips

S = Specific

Vague: “Read ‘Black Beauty’ for two hours.” (Any goal exceeding 1.5 hours of study should be broken into smaller goals.)

Specific: “Read 4 pages of ‘Black Beauty’ in an hour and prepare a thought for class”

 

M = Measurable

Not Measurable: “Study for Chemistry Exam for 8 hours.”

Measurable: “Work problems from 5 chapters for 45 minutes each.”
(Short, measurable goals will help you stay on track.)

 

A = Attainable

Not Attainable: “Study 40 hours every week outside class.”

Attainable: “Study 20 hours every week outside class and save my extra energy for final’s week.”

 

R = Realistic

Unrealistic: “Get Straight A’s this Semester.” (You cannot control everything that will affect your grade.)

Realistic: “Go to all classes. Study 3 hours per day.”

 

T = Timely

Not Timely: “I’ll start my paper tomorrow…”

Timely: “Today, I can read the essay questions and pick my topic.”

 

T = Take a Break!

Continue your previous hobbies and interests, even if the time spent on them needs to be reduced.

Take regular breaks. Study for only 45 – 90 minute intervals. And, study for only 3 hours per day in a normal week.

 

I = Invigorate Yourself!

Continue to exercise and socialize.

Study with a group or meet a friend to study.

Treat yourself to breakfast before your Sunday study session.

 

P = Plan Your Study Space!

Study in a space that works for you. If you are distracted or unproductive studying at home or in the library, go to a coffee shop, for instance.

 

S = Set Your Priorities!

Set your priorities every week, and then re-examine your priorities every day.

Work on high priority work first.

 

Awareness is one thing; application is another. Come visit us  and understand over a cup of coffee, how we can assist your child in improving efficiency!

Check out our mentoring program for students of grade 8, 9 and 10.

Yadunandini & Kalpana Dang