Mary Koom
EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
This article was written for our students that find it hard to manage their time effectively. If you happen to be one of the few students that manage their time effectively, ignore this article and give yourself a pat on the back. If not, read on.
There is no doubt that time is one of the greatest resource of all and something that everyone has an equal shares regardless of background and financial situation. But most experts will acknowledge that time is usually the most poorly managed and under-utilised resource of all. It is a well known that poor time management can negatively impact on your career, on you finding the balance between your study, work and social life not to mention an ongoing source of stress and tension.
However, the good news is you can make the necessary changes to utilise your time effectively with the suggested time management strategies. Please note the author acknowledges that with all time management strategies, there is no one-size-fits-all system due to individual differences and as such these are only suggestions. Keep in mind that when you first start implementing these strategies, don’t expect yourself to enjoy being organised; think of it just like having a shower or eating; it’s just one of those things that you have to do.
Please note if interested, we have created an Excel spreadsheet called To Do List & Timetable Template that you can use to write down your to do list, prioritize the tasks within the list and prepare a timetable based on the points raised in this document.
STEP 1: KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO
The first step is know exactly what it is that you have to do and any deadlines you may have then CREATE A LIST; do not rely on your memory. Furthermore, when you create your list, do not include those tasks which you cannot forget such as reminding yourself to have a shower or have lunch.
There are two good reasons why you should create a list:
1. It
This article was written for our students that find it hard to manage their time effectively. If you happen to be one of the few students that manage their time effectively, ignore this article and give yourself a pat on the back. If not, read on.
There is no doubt that time is one of the greatest resource of all and something that everyone has an equal shares regardless of background and financial situation. But most experts will acknowledge that time is usually the most poorly managed and under-utilised resource of all. It is a well known that poor time management can negatively impact on your career, on you finding the balance between your study, work and social life not to mention an ongoing source of stress and tension.
However, the good news is you can make the necessary changes to utilise your time effectively with the suggested time management strategies. Please note the author acknowledges that with all time management strategies, there is no one-size-fits-all system due to individual differences and as such these are only suggestions. Keep in mind that when you first start implementing these strategies, don’t expect yourself to enjoy being organised; think of it just like having a shower or eating; it’s just one of those things that you have to do.
Please note if interested, we have created an Excel spreadsheet called To Do List & Timetable Template that you can use to write down your to do list, prioritize the tasks within the list and prepare a timetable based on the points raised in this document.
STEP 1: KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO
The first step is know exactly what it is that you have to do and any deadlines you may have then CREATE A LIST; do not rely on your memory. Furthermore, when you create your list, do not include those tasks which you cannot forget such as reminding yourself to have a shower or have lunch.
There are two good reasons why you should create a list:
1. It