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"Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else" - Peter Drucker. A simple phrase but in reality, it's very true. Time management is a skill that needs to be continually shaped, molded, and refined. But with practice and diligence, time can be mastered.
Entering my first year of college, I was overwhelmed. Up until that point, I didn't need to manage my time. My days were like clockwork and the homework that I was doing did not require too much planning on my part. But fast forward to freshman year anatomy & physiology, I had the biggest wake-up call. Oh, man. Talk about a bucket of ice-cold water being dumped on me. Thankfully, I had friends, mentors, and peers that helped guide me through this transition period, and over the following semesters, I was able to become much more effective at managing my time.
Without further ado, I'd like to share some tips that I've obtained to become a master with time.
1: Utilize a planner/calendar. Honestly, this piece of advice was one of the first that helped in igniting my success. A planner and calendar allow you to write down what you need to do and see important dates that are coming up. Also, write down upcoming bills/payments --> huge lifesaver.
2: Create to-do-lists. Write down all that you have to do with manageable steps. I've also come to enjoy the satisfaction of crossing something off on my lists. The lists can also be motivating because you're able to witness what you have already accomplished.
3: Assign a time limit to each task AND track your time. This stops you from mindlessly scrolling and procrastinating.
4: Plan ahead. Take 15 minutes before bed (quite possibly as you are joining my mobility sessions) or 15 minutes in the morning to write down 3-4 most urgent tasks that need to be accomplished that day.
5: Tackle your most important things in the morning. What is something that you probably won't do later in the day? For many, it's working out. For others, it's taking time to stretch. You are more productive in the morning, take advantage of the time.
6: Wake up earlier. This tip coincides with #5. Yes, sleeping is nice. But, go to bed earlier. Instead of scrolling through Facebook for 1 hour while in bed, SLEEP.
7: Work in 60 to 90-minute increments. Your brain can only focus for so long so, prioritize the time that it can focus. This tip was a lifesaver in college. I would literally set a clock on my laptop for 60 min and work for the entire time. After the timer ends, take a 10-30 min break and begin again. Keep doing this process until you reach 4 hours. After 4 hours, take at least an hour break- eat, go for a walk, exercise, breathe.
8: Eliminate distractions. Before you begin your work, what might distract you from being fully engaged? If it's food, eat before. The bathroom, go. Your phone? Shut it off. Find a spot in your house that cuts out all distractions. Turn on some relaxing music. It's your time. Utilize it.
9: Do less AND stop half-work. Make each action count. Don't just mindlessly do things. Stick to a plan and finish it through (this also correlates with starting an exercise program and changing it 2 days in-results require consistency).
10: Look at your schedule DAILY. Make this a habit.
11: Install keystone habits. These habits will transform your life. Please do not compromise your health to get projects done. Take the time to exercise, eat healthily, meditate, stretch, check your daily routine. Trust me, exercise is medicine. Food is fuel. Your body will thank you later.
12: Let others help you. If you're able to take something off your plate, then you can fill it with something else or have free time for things you want to do.
13: Say no. Enough said.
Coach Karina- CF L1 Trainer, USAW Sports Performance Coach, BS-Kinesiology