Not enough time in the day?

Time management strategies have the potential to increase both efficiency and balance in your busy day-to-day life.

Remember, different strategies work for different people. Experiment with the basics of time management and see what works for you!

1. Set goals/tasks to complete each week. At the beginning of each week, identify what you want to complete that week. When identifying goals, think about all aspects of your life: college, work, home, health, family, friends, and free time.

2. Prioritize a to-do list. Review the goals you identified. Break each goal into a task - something that can be completed in less than 2 hours. Create a to-do list of tasks based on high, medium, and low priority. For example, a high priority task is something you absolutely must complete this week.

3. Create a schedule. Use a planner - on your computer, on your phone, paper-based - and schedule time during the week when you will complete tasks on your to-do list, starting with high priority items. Don't forget to include time on your schedule for health, family, friends, and free time! (These are often the first to be de-prioritized, but I suggest using time management strategies to increase efficiency AND balance in your life.)

4. Stay focused. Remain with a task until you complete it. Manage your interruptions - i.e. shut off your phone at certain times. Schedule high energy tasks during the time of day when you have the most energy. Keep things in balance to avoid burn-out.

For more details and suggestions, visit with your educational case manager or check out Mind Tools.