Build your system to Prioritise, Define and Eliminate
As college students, we often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities, from attending classes to completing assignments to maintaining a social life. With so much to do and so little time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out.
In my experience of speaking with college students, I’ve heard many stories of giving up even in their early stages of something big! Not because they don’t have the talent, but because their efforts are spent without proper processes and systems.
That’s why time management is so important. By effectively managing our time and setting up a process system, we can make the most of every moment and achieve our goals without sacrificing our well-being.
Here are some tips for effective time management based on how I navigate my usual day:
Prioritize your tasks: Make a to-do list of all the tasks you need to complete, and prioritize them based on their importance and urgency. I use an app called TickTick to help me with this. My junior, Kunal Keshan introduced me to this app, and it’s one of the best tools I’ve been using for almost a year now! This will help you focus on the most important tasks first and ensure that you’re using your time wisely.
Set realistic goals: Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, and set realistic deadlines for each. Most of the time, we tend to beat ourselves up with overly challenging goals and end up losing motivation and forgetting the purpose. Breaking down tasks will help you avoid procrastination and stay on track. In the initial days, I used to create multiple tiny blocks in my calendar for even the tiniest tasks. Now, I’m used to breaking down on the go.
Eliminate distractions: Find a quiet, distraction-free space to work in, and turn off your phone and other devices while you’re working. lol, not going to work right! It’s ok!! I’ve tried it, and it never worked for me. Don’t worry, one of my juniors, Raghu uses an app called Zen This will help you stay focused and avoid wasting time on non-essential activities. Just try. If you still need help, we can discuss more specifics. Let me know.
Take breaks: Taking breaks can actually help you be more productive, as it allows you to recharge and refocus. Seriously, this is underrated. But, I’ve learned this after a long time. At times, I take super snaps to supercharge myself, especially when I wake up early for some personal work. Plan regular breaks into your schedule, and use them to relax and recharge. A super short nap is a two-edged sword. Utilize it carefully.
After implementing all these, here’s how you can typically go into deep blocks on your calendar:
Remember, effective time management isn’t about trying to do everything at once. It’s about making smart choices and prioritizing what’s most important. By managing your time effectively, you can achieve your goals, reduce stress, and enjoy a more fulfilling college experience.
That’s it for this week’s newsletter. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me.
Best Regards,
G Surendar Thina (gsthina)