Time is one of lifeâs most precious commodities and learning how to manage it effectively is the key to success. For all busy students, the art of time management is just as important as skills such as listening, communication, and strategic thinking.
Not only do business students need to find the time to juggle assignments, readings, case studies, but they also need to find that much-deserved downtime to enjoy being part of the student community. Struggling to find time can potentially lead to stress.
To help make life easier, here are some proven time management tips for our students.
First of all, one of the most important things you need to do to manage your time better is to list everything that needs to be done. From studying for an exam to sitting a mock test, everything relating to your studies should be organized in lists so that you know exactly what needs to be done when it needs to be done, and where. As well as writing down jobs and tasks, you should also make a note of important deadlines and any personal appointments or activities that you need to do.
Once youâve listed everything you need to be doing over the coming weeks or months, the next thing you need to do is prioritize. Seeing everything in list form means that you can prioritize the most important tasks in terms of importance or deadlines, etc. Although it may seem obvious, it isnât easy to prioritize tasks when you have a long to-do list. If, for example, you have an important accounting project due over the next couple of weeks, you can make it a priority and focus on that first as it will be your first major deadline. Of course, you shouldnât ignore the more trivial tasks. It just means that you ought to focus on the most important ones first.
If youâve got an important exam or for example a presenation, make sure that youâre ready. With each study session, set yourself small and achievable goals. Whether itâs writing a certain number of words, reading a set number of pages, or doing a few practice tests, set goals that must be achieved before you can call it a night.
Procrastination is any studentâs worst enemy. When youâre studying by yourself, remove yourself from as many distractions as possible. If you prefer to study in silence, find somewhere quiet to go. If you are tempted to keep checking your phone every few minutes, like so many of us, why not place your phone on charge in another room. Whether itâs the TV distracting you, your phone, a pet, or other people, whenever possible, remove yourself from anyone or anything that is distracting you, and only then you will be able to focus on your studies.
Time management might sound like a simple concept but itâs not. Those who can manage their time efficiently, have a clear advantage over the competition. Don’t forget to plan your free time too, in order to keep everything balanced.
At EDU Effective Business School, we not only help our students be leaders in dynamic business communities but help them develop time management skills to be more productive business people.
Excellent tips! I confess it is still difficult for me to keep up with the deadlines I set to myself, but I’ve already noticed some improvements. Work in progress đ
Hi Rafael, thanks a lot! Hope it will work & get better soon ?