Time management is crucial to excel in any setting. As a collegiate student athlete and military family member, I know time is a valuable asset. My transition from high school to becoming a college athlete came with an overwhelming schedule and a lot of stress—similar to what you’d experience transitioning to military life. After a frustrating freshman year of headaches and stress, I figured out strategies that helped me better manage my time to get academics and athletics done. Time management can help you optimize stress and improve well-being, which can lead to better performance. I found 3 key areas that helped me better manage my time—and they might help you too.
1. Limit multitasking
When you’re working on a task, it’s best to limit multitasking. While multitasking is a common practice among younger adults, it’s less effective than they think. Students who multitask learn at lower rates when compared to others who focus on one task at a time. Give the task at hand your full attention and effort to produce your best work.
2. Use the power of the planner
Use a planner, weekly calendar, or daily timeline to write down daily tasks and make an outline for the week. Writing out a weekly plan can help you create a clear focus of the task(s) you want to accomplish. The trick is to find a method that works best for you. I prefer a weekly outline with each task I need to do. It eases the stress of due dates and helps me prioritize the most important tasks. But you might like a more detailed planner to meet your needs. As simple or detailed as it might be, finding what works for you might take time. But with some trial and error, you can find a time management strategy that eases your mind and makes you more efficient.
3. Declutter your mind
Organize your mind. Trying to juggle everything you need to do in your head can overwhelm your brain’s ability to process information. By using to-do lists and planners, you can ease that extra stress. A more focused brain leads to better quality work, less stress and anxiety, and better overall performance.
Reflection
Think about your current time management strategies, strengths, and areas where there’s room for improvement. Reflection, self-observation, and analysis of how you use your time are major steps toward gaining control over wasted time. Figure out what works and what doesn’t, and find areas to improve. If something isn’t working, change it and customize it to your needs.
Use HPRC’s PERMA To-Do list to reflect on how you spend your time, and see if you can approach your daily tasks in a better way to optimize your performance and well-being.
The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of USU or DoD. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and do not reflect the views, opinions, or policies of The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The author has no financial interests or relationships to disclose.
