Time management is an important skill for just about everyone, so recently I was tasked in my Marketing Career Preparation Course to set goals and create some projected schedules for the last three weeks and see how I do.
The Before- My Method, and Goal Set
- I always got things done but there was a lot of wasted time, as can be seen in the pie chart below.
- I would set times that I had to start an activity, however,set in stone.
- I wanted to maximize my time better, and spend time gaining other life skills.
- I also wanted to get at least a 3.5GPA this semester.
What Time Management Research Was Done
-I read and watched videos about how habits are formed as well as time management skills.
Quick Tips:
- Baby steps for goals
- make goals in detail
- keep to your habit/goal for at least 21 days.
-I also learned about the difference between urgent distractions and what is important for my goals.
Ex: What is more important for answering emails or writing a term paper. For me, it is the paper so that is what should be done first.
– I created goals and rewards for me to use for the next 3 weeks.
My Goals- Two Long Term and One Short Term
-Exercise three times a week at Ten am.
– I want to get my bachelor’s degree in the next five years.
– I want to work or own a company that is involved in the film, cosmetics or fashion industry before I am thirty.
My Thoughts On This Way of Scheduling Your Time- Block Method
-It really helps you see how much time you could/are wasting.
-It was tedious to fill in every hour of my time with a set activity and try and not go over or under the time allotted.
-Personally I did not think this was the best way for me to get things done, due to it just caused more anxiety for me personally due to my last point.
Ways I Did Well and Where I Failed (Horribly)
-It kept my goals in the front of my mind. I spent a lot of time thinking about my goals, more so than before.
-It made me more aware of how I spent my time, even if I was not following my schedule.
-I found it extremely hard to only do tasks at certain times while not doing others that may have felt more organic at the time. It made my days feel very strict and uninspiring.
What Will I Do in The Future
-I Will time block important non-negotiable things while making a separate more flexible to-do list for other things.
-I will write out detailed goals with cues that activate my habits to achieve my goals.
-Setting alarms on my phone/computer to remind me, when I need to get stuff done.
Overall, I learned a lot doing this experience and I would encourage all of you reading this to try it. Also, maybe let me know any of your tricks or tips for time management.
Some helpful links on time management:
