Time is our most valuable resource, and if you master it, it is also the key to many successes. Whether you’re a busy student balancing classes and extracurriculars or already out of school working a full-time job, in this post, eleven59 will share some tips and methods to help you get better at managing your schedule, along with practical examples and actionable tips to help you implement them.
1. The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique uses short, focused work intervals to keep you productive. Each interval, or “Pomodoro,” lasts 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15–30 minutes.
How It Works:
- Choose a task to work on.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes.
- Focus only on the task until the timer rings.
- Take a 5-minute break.
- Repeat, taking a longer break after four cycles.
Real-Life Example:
Imagine you’re preparing for a history exam. Instead of studying for hours nonstop, set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one topic, like World War II. Once the timer rings, take a 5-minute break to stretch or grab a snack. This cycle keeps your mind fresh and prevents burnout.
2. The Eisenhower Matrix
Named after former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this method helps you prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
The Four Quadrants:
- Urgent and Important: Do immediately (e.g., submitting an assignment due tonight).
- Important but Not Urgent: Schedule for later (e.g., starting a term paper due next week).
- Urgent but Not Important: Delegate if possible (e.g., managing event logistics).
- Neither Urgent Nor Important: Eliminate (e.g., excessive social media scrolling).
Real-Life Example:
You have a biology quiz tomorrow (Urgent and Important), a research paper due next week (Important but Not Urgent), and a group project meeting someone else could lead (Urgent but Not Important). Categorizing tasks ensures your time is spent where it matters most.
3. Time Blocking
Time blocking involves assigning specific tasks to defined time slots in your calendar. This method helps you manage your time proactively and prevents multitasking.
How to Start:
- Review your commitments for the week.
- Block out fixed activities like classes or shifts.
- Schedule study sessions, breaks, and relaxation time.
Sample Monday Schedule:
– 8:00–9:00 AM: Review lecture notes.
– 9:30–11:00 AM: Attend math class.
– 11:30 AM–12:00 PM: Exercise.
– 1:00–3:00 PM: Group project meeting.
Pro Tip: Use color-coding to visually separate categories like academics, work, and personal time.
4. The Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and cluttering your schedule.
Examples of Two-Minute Tasks:
- Replying to an email.
- Organizing notes for your next class.
- Setting a reminder for an upcoming deadline.
Why It Works:
Quickly addressing small tasks clears mental clutter, making it easier to focus on bigger priorities.
5. Weekly Reviews
A weekly review helps you reflect on progress, plan ahead, and adjust priorities for the coming week.
Steps for a Weekly Review:
- Review the past week: What went well? What didn’t?
- Look at upcoming deadlines and schedule tasks.
- Set specific goals for the week ahead.
Pro Tip: Combine your review session with a relaxing ritual, like drinking tea or listening to your favorite playlist, to make it a rewarding habit.
Additional Tips for Success
- Minimize Distractions
Create a dedicated study space free from distractions. Silence your phone, use website blockers, or wear noise-canceling headphones to stay focused. - Prioritize Sleep
Lack of sleep can derail even the best plans. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night to stay sharp and energized. - Use Accountability Partners
Share your goals with a friend or study buddy. They can help you stay on track and celebrate milestones with you.
What do we do as students ourselves?
Hazel
The to-do list is the foundation of my daily planning. Each day, I write down everything I need to accomplish for the day and rank the tasks by priority. This helps me stay focused, track progress, and feel the efficiency of crossing items off the list.
Anthony
One of my go-to time management strategies is a mix of time blocking and the two-minute rule. I set aside a fixed hour-long block near the end of my week that never moves, no matter what. (unless it absolutely has to) This is my catch-up buffer, where I can tackle anything that slipped through the cracks. No matter how many time management tricks you use, things sometimes fall behind. Knowing I have that dedicated time keeps me from stressing about unfinished tasks during the week, and by the time I hit that block, I can power through whatever needs attention.
Todd
When I have multiple tasks, the Eisenhower Matrix helps me prioritize effectively. This method categorizes tasks into four quadrants as mentioned above: Urgent and Important, Important but Not Urgent, Urgent but Not Important, Neither Urgent nor Important.
By listing and visually organizing my to-do lists utilizing the four categories, I can focus on what truly matters at any given time and avoid getting caught up in unnecessary work.
We encourage you to try these methods and adapt them to suit your own workflow. Time management isn’t one-size-fits-all, so find what resonates with you and stick to it!
How Our Calendar App Can Help You Manage Your Time
Effective time management is easier with the right tools, and our calendar app is designed specifically for college students.
Features You’ll Love:
- Syllabus scanning: By uploading a PDF or taking a picture of your course outline, all the important events/ deadlines will be imported into your calendar.
- Optimized study plan: eleven59 automatically builds you an optimized study schedule tailored to your needs with expert insights.
- Smart Reminders: Get notifications for deadlines, exams, and events.
- Integrations with other apps: Sync your schedules with other common calendar apps like Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, Apple Calendar, etc.