Time Management

Stephen R. Covey said, The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. School, extra-curricular activities, social life, finances, and church callings; keeping life balanced with only 24 hours to manage it all in a single day may seem difficult. Developing good time management skills to schedule your semester, month, week, day, and even hour can be the winning card that pulls you through the competitive game of today. So what are the ways to get the most out of your day?

Identify how you spend your time. Record and assess how you spend your time for a week, 7 days. This will give you a general idea of the “cop outs” in your schedule that can be eliminated.

Begin with the semester. Consider all priorities for the semester (i.e. grades, work, social, extra-curricular activities, and other responsibilities) and where they rank from most to least important. Plan your semester according to those priorities. Once you have registered for classes create a calendar of when assignments are due and any other responsibilities you may have.

Plan out the week and schedule each day. Start with the essentials (i.e. sleep, classes, nutrition, exercise, etc.) then fill in the gaps. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to organizing your week, everyone does it a little differently. Some like organizing responsibilities with 3x5 ca

rds, planners, notebooks, or daily dockets. It’s about finding what works for you.

Finally, it’s okay to say no. Remember what is most important to you. If asked to go out with a friend when your quiz is due or complete an extra assignment that conflicts with another priority it’s okay to say no. You can always propose another option such as: could we get together another day or I have another priority to complete but I know someone who would be equally as great for the assignment if they are available.

For more help on Time Management visit the BYU-Idaho Counseling Center Website.

References:

UI. (n.d.). Time Management. Brigham Young University - Idaho. Retrieved March 26, 2013, from http://www.byui.edu/counseling-center/self-help/time-management

Time Management Strategies for Improving Academic Performance. (n.d.). Virginia Tech . Retrieved March 26, 2013, from www.ucc.vt.edu/lynch/timemanagement.htm