Updated Content 12/06/2023
Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, but sometimes it can seem like some people are able to accomplish much more than others in a day. Do you find yourself wondering what their secret is? United Career Institute is here to let you in on their secret– better time management! Effectively managing your time allows you to be more productive, complete more tasks, and feel a heightened sense of accomplishment.
There are many benefits to having good time management skills. Among them are having more free time, less stress, and the ability to achieve your short and long-term goals. Keep reading to find out UCI’s top four tips for better time management.
1. Organize Everything
The first step in bettering your time management is to get organized. Making a simple to-do list is an easy way to get the complete picture of everything you need to accomplish in a given period. Whether it is school work, a project at your job, or something on your personal list, it is important to write it all down to be able to prioritize your tasks, which we will explain more in tip #2.
Additionally, organizing the things you will need to complete your tasks can help you be more efficient when it comes time to achieve them. For example, if you have a research paper due for school, having all the articles you need to reference saved in one folder can make it much easier to get the paper done. You won’t have to go searching for the things you need, which will save you valuable time.
2. Prioritize Tasks
Now that your tasks are organized, it is time to prioritize them. This is important because you decide which tasks need to be completed first. The best way to prioritize is to take your list of tasks and order them by urgency and importance. For example, if you have an assignment worth half of your grade due in a week, it should be moved to the top of your priority list.
Breaking large tasks into smaller, more attainable steps can be a good way to complete tasks that are not as urgent but still important. For example, let’s say you have a research paper due in three weeks. Setting small goals like finding resources, outlining the paper, and then creating a rough draft can help you stay on track to complete the task.
3. Plan Ahead
Once you have organized your to-do list and decided which tasks need to be completed first, it’s time to plan out your process for crossing things off your list. Planning in advance can help set you up for success because you will know what must be done daily. This can help save you time and be more efficient in your tasks. One way to do this is to have a weekly calendar and block off specific times to complete each task. This method is known as time blocking and can be a great way to stay on track throughout the day. To start, take your list of tasks to complete and think about how much time you need to spend on each item. Put the most important and urgent items on your calendar first, then work only on what you have designated in the time slot.
To make your time even more effective, be sure you have everything you need to complete the task before you begin. Spending your designated time gathering the materials required can waste precious time and cause more work for you in the long run. Additionally, be sure to take breaks in between projects, especially ones that take longer to complete. Taking a break to walk, exercise, eat, or listen to music can help clear your mind to prepare for the next task.
4. Create Deadlines
As you plan your tasks, be sure to give yourself deadlines to finish things, even if there isn’t a set due date for the task. Setting a deadline for yourself can help you stay focused and make sure you complete every part of the task. A good way to do this is through an online task management program like Asana or Basecamp. These resources allow you to assign yourself tasks and add a due date and other notes to help you organize your to-do list virtually. Breaking a large task down into smaller tasks and setting goals of when you would like to complete them can also give you a sense of accomplishment.
Creating time limits to get work completed can also be helpful. When you give yourself six hours to complete a task, it will most likely take the entire six hours. But if you set a limit of four hours, you can probably finish it in less time. This is a great method for perfectionists, as it can help prevent getting stuck in an endless cycle of making changes to make it more perfect.
Join Us In 2024!
Time management is an essential skill you will use as a student and beyond in your professional life. At United Career Institute, we work with each of our students on a personal and academic level to help them balance family, work, and school. We are committed to supporting our students from the first point of contact through graduation and beyond.
Learn more about our healthcare training programs and start on the path to your new career in 2024 by calling 866-UCIONLINE or Requesting Information today!