Sample Time management Techniques

Hey 👋👋 ,

I decided to share the progress in my reading and planning, and you can see how to modify it. Here are some of my pieces of advice that I wrote to people who asked me the same questions.

First Session: 6th September 2023

Question:  

I remember you had a very good academic system to manage your time and excel. Could you please share it with me?

Answer:

Yes, basically, I have been embracing planning as part of my studies, which has made my studies much easier. I usually plan at the beginning of the semester. I ensure I know what I will be doing in the semester and gather all the necessary notes. I have maximized the open-sourced PDF books available on the internet.

After I get all the materials I need (i.e., reference books, course outlines, past papers), I occasionally consult YouTube videos. Recently, with the onset of Generative AI, I have tried to leverage its power in helping me plan, prepare questions, and get tailored advice based on what I want to know. I also came across a note-taking app called Notion AI, which I spent significant time using for note-keeping and organizing my workflow. It’s like my second brain. It has a basic and a premium plan. Personally, I am using the basic plan, and it is really awesome.

I also use the important versus urgency matrix to allocate my time on various activities. I have tried to balance various activities and achieve excellence holistically. I conduct consistent reviews to track my progress. I also learned about the Pomodoro technique. I have yet to adopt it, but I believe it's a nice strategy. During the attachment period, I acknowledged the power of single-tasking rather than multitasking.

Question Two: 

Remind me about your strategy for doing assignments and reading through class notes.

Answer:

Currently, I have downloaded multiple PDFs on various units which I will be using as reference books. I usually try to complete my assignments within the shortest time from the assigned date. I may delay some assignments based on their duration, but whenever we are given an assignment, I usually put it among my reminders to ensure I work on it on time. I also like consulting various materials before finally consolidating all the ideas.

For reading class notes, I try to use good handwriting and different colors to motivate myself. Occasionally, I highlight key points, attach printed papers to my notebook, or use sticky notes. I also try to make a summary or a "cheatsheet" to highlight some key concepts in specific units.

I maximize Google Calendar for planning and keeping track of common routines. I also love doing things at unique times, like washing clothes during weekdays, very early in the morning, or late at night after meetings. This also has to be part of my plan.

Second Session: 14th January 2024

This was a response to a friend this year, who asked me last year but I responded this January about time and planning.

I thank God I am doing well. I was supposed to meet with you last year concerning planning, but we never met. I had promised to write to you about how I plan. 

I really thank the Lord for the grace and gift of administration. He has been gracious and merciful to me, and I give Him all the praise. I attended the KAIROS course, which really shaped my life. The way I now plan is influenced by fulfilling God's mission, trying to see how the Lord can use me as a vessel to spread His message. I have new convictions tailored towards the mission as much as I pursue my studies.

On the other side, creating a plan that meets SMART goals is also valid. This has really helped:  

- S: Specific  

- M: Measurable  

- A:Attainable  

- R: Relevant/Realistic  

- T: Time-bound  

It's the core of these skills. I plan to do some tasks in a week, others in a year, and some as a lifestyle. I try to be as realistic as possible. I realized this was my weak area, but I have greatly improved.

The place of prayer is also key. My motivation for planning is Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 6:33, which speak a lot to my soul. At the moment, I believe your main focus is on your personal relationship with God, family, and maybe a career. You can find a way to strike a balance in all these areas by carefully planning yourself. For effective and consistent planning, having reviews plays a key role in fine-tuning your plan and helping you achieve measurable outcomes. Don’t be too rigid; you may have to adjust your plan as time progresses. Any questions? I’ll see how I can answer.

Third Session: 21st February 2024

Question: 

I was going to ask you how you do your daily plan.

Answer:

I believe by now you have a picture of how I have been planning and ordering my life. Let me share how I am tracking progress this semester. I have 8 units this semester, with a maximum of 13 lessons out of 14 lessons a week. My academics are a bit tight with a lot of assignments. My desire has always been to wake up at 5 am and sleep by 11 pm, but this hasn't always been achievable due to classwork and leadership responsibilities. Nevertheless, I bless the Lord. Time is sufficient, and budgeting for it makes it productive. Having a schedule or a planner helps track progress.

My daily plan is usually influenced by the lessons and CU (Christian Union) activities I have that day. I strive to blend service and academia so that neither is neglected. I have acknowledged that I am first a student before a leader, which gives me the power to decide on what to do without neglecting any area.

Currently, I have 2 classes starting at 7 am, one at 8 am, and 2 at 10 am. These classes influence my morning routine, including wake-up time and doing assignments. I am also committed to attending Morning Devotions at 6 am, so I have to wake up early. Budgeting my time and allocating different times to different needs has helped me stay consistent.

I also have a weekly review on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, which helps me track progress. Sometimes I may do just one or all three of the weekly reviews, which helps me adjust based on the tasks at hand.

Having a daily goal can also be important. Once in a while, I commit to achieving something specific and create time for it. This may involve solitude from time to time, going to a quiet place to reflect on progress and complete tasks.

Additionally, I am reading a book called Ordering Your Private World. It is helping me master the art of time management, and I am making some adjustments accordingly.

Let me send you my timetable and my daily goals. Having this list helps me work on certain skills daily. Sometimes things get overwhelming, but at least having this blueprint gives me a sense of responsibility and an ordered life, and I just have to do something.