Managing time effectively

CEBU, Philippines - It is said that time is a very scarce resource. While it seems to many people that there's plenty of it, time is clicking away every single moment. Before long, one realizes that he or she has already wasted a lot by just letting time pass by without making good use of it.

Time waits for no one. The smart thing for one to do is to be ready with things to do for any time available. It means making one's time productive.

Ironically, given the scarcity and potential value of time, smart management of time is not one of the skills people are usually taught while growing up. No wonder there's a lot of precious time wasted. No wonder many people wrestle with time pressure for their entire lives - there seems, to them, too much to do in too little time.

Truth is, there is enough time for everything. The problem is, people don't usually identify the right thing to do at the right time. They inundate themselves with all kinds of tasks to do all at the same time.

Another problem is procrastination. Again, it is not doing the right thing at the right time, and so everything is lumped together at a later time. It results in time pressure, something that most people complain to drive them crazy.

Time pressure is a most common problem among students. There are class assignments and quizzes and new lessons to tackle every day. Students are left feeling there's no way to cover everything with the time available.

Too much tasks to all fit in limited time results in time pressure. But, in fact, almost always time pressure is avoidable. The secret is in developing an organized approach to the student's schedules in order to work more efficiently.

Of course, with so many activities it feels like time just flies by. The student is often wondering where all of the time went. In contrast, there are also times when it feels like the day will never end. It is, thus, necessary to spread school tasks properly, such that there is something to do comfortably at particular times.

The website www.qualifax.ie reminds students to remember that there are 24 hours in every day. No student has more time than another. The secret to achieving great exam results is good time management.

Fortunately, good time management can be learned. Anyone can learn how to control his or her time - and how to spend it wisely. There are ways to ensure that the time spent studying gives the maximum amount of learning possible.

The www.qualifax.ie website shares ideas for planning one's everyday life and get organized in his or her studies:

Make a list. The best way to track what tasks need to be done is to list them down.

Prioritize. Next, decide which task is to be done first and next and so on - and arrange the tasks accordingly.

Be realistic. Figure out how long each task will take and allot it with the time required.

Procrastinate less. It is a formidable goal to aim for zero procrastination. Just aim to procrastinate less every time.  Your written list of tasks will help you know exactly what you will study before you sit down at your desk. You are more likely to get down to it and get it done.

Be persistent. There's no guarantee, though, that the tasks you list down will be sufficiently covered, no matter how much you planned. It's okay; just keep at it and keep learning better. Take note of what didn't work well and try adjusting tasks and time allotment for next time. 

Track your progress. Regularly check your tasks list and timetable to know how you are doing. It also keeps you on course to get everything done.

Focus on the positive. For the few misses now and then, bear in mind that it would have been much worse if you didn't have a plan.

Anyone who embarks on the journey towards managing time effectively should consider that it does not happen instantly. A journey takes a while to unfold. But the reward is worth it - a well organized school life, even life in general. Much of the uncertainty of life is removed and more is achieved. (FREEMAN)