TOP 3 TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS

Good time management is the key to leading a full and balanced life. You will be less stressed and able to get more done, and it will be easier to reach your goals. Check out the 3 key habits that are needed for better time management:

HABIT #1:​

Stick to a schedule.
Set up your schedule at least a week ahead of time. Be realistic about how much time you will need to complete the tasks in your schedule. Don't forget to include breaks to prevent burn out.

Here are some tricks to help you stick to a schedule:

  • Use a big wall calendar to see your whole month at a glance and spot busy periods early.
  • Colour-code your calendar and planner to stay more organized and make tasks easier to track.
  • Use a calendar app on your phone and set reminders so you don’t forget important tasks or events.
  • Integrate your task lists into your day planner so everything is in one place.
  • Try the time-blocking method to divide your day into focused work periods and breaks.

HABIT #2:​ 

Prioritize tasks.

HABIT #3:​ 

Break tasks into smaller steps.
When you have a lot on your to do list, it is important to identify tasks that must be done immediately, those that should be done soon and those that can wait. Complete tasks in order of priority.

Here are some things to try to help you prioritize your tasks:

  • Make a to-do list for the day, week, or month to stay organized and focused.
  • Use colour-coded sticky notes to show priority: high (red), medium (yellow), and low (green).
  • Use a task app on your phone with reminders so you don’t forget important tasks.
  • Keep your to-do list visible, like on your bedroom wall, locker, or in your agenda.
  • Try the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle to stay focused and avoid burnout.
Have a big task, like a project, coming up? One big task with one big deadline feels overwhelming and is easy to forget. Use your day planner or a printable organizer to help break the task down into smaller parts, each with its own deadline.

Follow these tips to manage big tasks with ease:

  • Use the backward planning technique when adding a big task to your day planner. Start with the due date and work backward to figure out when each step needs to be done.
  • Make a to-do list that breaks the task into smaller steps, and check off each step as you complete it. This helps the task feel more manageable and keeps you motivated.
  • Integrate the steps into your weekly schedule so you’re making steady progress without last-minute stress.