Time-Management: The story of a well-balanced agenda

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The weekend is coming up and there has never been more excitement, though a dilemma stands in your way. Drake is coming to perform, a friend’s highly anticipated birthday plans are taking place, you have an important test on the following Monday and a decision needs to be made as to which option to choose. Unfortunately, one cannot be in three places at the same time. Day-to-day responsibilities are divided up into categories and students are told to pick two of the three options: sleep, social life or academics. To exceed in two, the third option must be put at a disadvantage.

Realistically, students in this day and age can vouch to say that to pick and prioritize out of only three categories is a lot more simplistic than their lifestyles are set out to be. In reality, time management is much more complex than three simple categories and their descriptions.

People are expected to utilize the most of their resources alongside the world and its continual technological advances. It is much more than simply being a part of the network; it is a competition. It’s a race between the millions of others in growing numbers to do the most in marking territory and in leaving the most impressive footprint.

Job expectations have changed drastically from the past. The bar has been raised and employers expect individuals to be well trained and able to complete the work connecting to, and surrounding, their main profession as well. A decent resume contains impressive work experience, references and stunning volunteer involvement.

Working in the media industry is a prime example of heightened multi-skilled expectations. Rarely will news stations hire an individual looking for work as a simple journalist. Applying for a journalist position requires the ability to operate equipment, shoot and edit videos and more. Tasks that previously required a team for completion are expected to be produced independently; it’s a “one man show”. For those currently in the process of building a solid resume, one will ask how to find the time to complete and balance it all.

Students may find some categories to be overwhelmingly time-consuming. All these responsibilities may lead those to feel as if they are almost living and managing multiple different lives. It won’t be easy, but time-management is the key and organization is the key holder.

TIPS:

1. Keep an organizer: this could be in an electronic form of a note or memo on a cellphone or using a traditional handwritten agenda.

2. Keep track of important dates: due dates, tests and exams, birthdays and special occasions.

3. Follow your planner as closely as possible.

4. Do not overload your schedule with back-to-back projects. Some tasks may end up taking more time than planned, throwing your entire day off.

5. Multitask:  Although it can be argued this is a bad habit to keep as it shortens the attention span and makes the ability to focus on a single task to be less effective, sometimes this makes sense. As an example, leisure time with meal-prepping can include a listen to the new music you’ve been wanting to check out.

6. Prioritize: Take on the tasks that are deemed more important and time consuming.

Some days it may feel like there is not enough time in the world to complete an agenda check-list and that is okay. There are only so many hours in a day. Give your hardworking self a well deserved break once in a while. A reminder that a balance between hard-work and play is important and that we should all take the time to indulge in life’s simple pleasures.