Time management for learners

Time management is the process of organising and planning how to divide your time between different activities. This eventually makes one end up working smarter, not harder, and get more done in less time – even when time is tight and pressures are high.

Effective time management increases your focus and improves your productivity. Greater focus allows you to capture bigger opportunities. It also allows you to spend more time on the projects, goals, and people that matter. Time management is important in helping you achieve greater focus and prioritisation.

Why is time management important?

1. Analyse your timeline

Sit down with a pen and paper and note down how you have been spending your time up until that point. This is one of the time management tips for students that can help them in the long run. Once we have it on paper, it will become a whole lot easier to understand where you can implement changes. 

2. Eyes on the goal 

A basic tactic strikers use while attempting to score is to keep glancing up at the goal while focusing on the ball in order to have a mental image and awareness of where the goal is at all times as they move forward. Time management for students works the same way. Setting clear goals or agendas for what you aim to achieve during a set time can go a long way in providing clarity on what you need to dedicate your time towards. This is one of the time management tips for students that will make working easy for them.

3. Set a schedule

 Calendars and weekly and daily planners would assist in this regard. Start from the moment you wake up till the time you retire to bed.  While getting into a schedule may be difficult, it provides many benefits as you get set with the schedule over time. Being meticulous about what task to do in a particular time slot makes for rapid progress in time management for students. Allow yourself some leeway in the beginning, but do stick to the times noted as much as possible.

4. Divide and conquer

Many tasks may seem overwhelming at first, and some of them are just that. The trick to deal with them is rather simple. Break it down. As they say, little steps over time are a giant leap. Now, why not just take a giant leap in one go? It will leave you exhausted in a short time frame, making you unable to execute further tasks. Breaking down tasks into smaller sub-tasks will help you manage time while feeling a sense of accomplishment as you complete them. Moreover, finishing most of the smaller tasks will help conserve energy and keep you fresh. Leave the odd small tasks for the end as well, such that even if you are low on energy, you have an easy finish. Dividing and conquering your tasks is the optimal way to execute time management for students.

5. Get rid of distractions

Distractions are the biggest culprit, and learning how to get around them is one of the biggest time management tips for students. Switch off your notifications and forget social media exists as you head into your study times. Utilise apps on your browser to prevent yourself from opening sites which may be distracting. Reference your schedule; any time dedicated to a particular task or study needs to be distraction-free.

6. Deadlines to meet 

The most dreaded part of any task, or homework is to meet deadlines. Even if there are no deadlines, try to make your own, which translates over the existing ones such that you have a buffer zone to be on the safe side. Deadlines instil a feeling of urgency which can motivate one to finish their tasks on a priority basis. We know deadlines may be stressful, and dealing with stress is important, so remember, knowing when to start is a victory. Start early; if you complete a task before the time allocated is finished, start another one. This is one of the time management tips for students, which will make work easy and fun for one.

7. Check-the-lists

Check-lists help you stay on top of your tasks as you are able to track your progress easily and, at the same time, be organized. Being organized has the additional benefit of saving time, as you do not have to rack your brain about what to do and where you are in the middle of a task. Colour code your tasks on the basis of subjects and integrate them into your schedule for the most efficient tracking method.

8. Take a Break

You need to give your brain a break. Studying or working becomes monotonous and eventually fatigues our minds, slowing our progress which in turn causes stress and, in most cases, the amount of work to do adds to it. This is one of the time management tips for students that can help them channel their energy and make them productive.  

All it takes to get over this is a moment to breathe. 

Taking a breather from your desk goes a long way, it can help you clear your mind and calm down enough to implement strategies and align your focus to vital goals.  

Above all, put God first in everything you do. He will direct your steps 

Dr Manners Msongelwa/+263 771 019 392/Author/ Teacher/ Youth Coach