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1.Get an Agenda
Having an agenda really helps with time management. An agenda allows you to place all your important deadlines and appointments in one central location. With an agenda, you will never overlap or schedule meetings at the same time as other important things. You can have a to-do list at the end/ beginning of each week and check items off the list as they get done and since all important deadlines are in the agenda, it is easy to see when each thing needs to be done. There are also some great scheduling apps that function like an agenda if you prefer to use electronics instead of a physical book.
2. Prioritize
Rank which tasks, events, or people are most important to you. This way, if it is not possible to do everything in one week, you know which things can be pushed off to another time or rescheduled. Get the important things done first, and, if there is time afterwards, enjoy something fun!
3. Stick to a Schedule
Try to estimate how much time different tasks should take. If you plan out what needs to be done and when and how long it will take to complete, you can stick to that schedule to maximize your available time. If you get stuck on something, move on and come back to it later. Moving on will allow you to still be productive and use your time well. Staring at a problem will just eat up your time and you will feel the need to rush through the other items as you would be behind schedule.
4. Don’t Forget to Take Breaks
When you have a lot of things to do, it can be tempting to want to get all of it done immediately and as quickly as possible. However, this is not healthy. Make sure you schedule yourself some breaks. You cannot work all day and stay productive and focused the entire time. If you schedule little breaks throughout the day, you will come back to your work feeling refreshed and ready to go. These breaks could be participating in a sport you like, spending time with your favourite people, or simply watching an episode of your favourite T.V. show. Keeping in mind that even though breaks are important, don’t go over your allotted break time. It is really easy to get caught up in the fun things, but remember your priorities and your schedule!