Time Management Techniques for Students

Interestingly, many management schools today prescribe the Bhagavad Gita (Hindu scripture). I can't help but quote the Gita, when it comes to management. Here it goes, "The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it". Honestly, to me, management is all about pushing and molding your mind to attain the desired results. It's just another mind game, which needs a little trick of push and pull to control the mind to accomplish predetermined targets. Procrastination and lack of self-actualization needs is what leads to mismanagement of time amongst students. They are young, dynamic and more flexible in thought, which is what works in the favor of parents and teachers to shape students' management skills. Time management techniques have to imbibed at a very young age, to reap its benefits throughout life. After all, time is a luxury, and none of us have it. Thus it's imperative that students, at an early point of time in their lives, make most of the time that they have.

Mission Statement
It's important that students are taught the need to decide a mission in their nascent stages. Goals can only be achieved if they are set beforehand. Thus, sit down with your child and help him/her to set an objective or a goal. Now it's in your hands to help the child achieve realistic goals. Setting realistic goals is necessary, because if preposterous ones fail, it will discourage the child immensely. Once, the goal is set, write it down as a mission statement. For example, the mission statement for this academic year is: 'I will score an A in every subject'.

In the Nick of Time
Time management skills for students will teach them to value time more than ever. Help your child to get organized in all spheres of life, by making a small effort everyday. Begin with packing the school bag the previous night, so that morning time is saved for having a breakfast. Make a 'to-do' list for the week and stick to it. Fix a timetable, that will be a constant reminder of stipulated hours for homework, play, classes and leisure time.

Prioritizing Needs
As adults, we are always choosing between this or that. Sometimes, it's a tough call to make. However, instilling these time management tips for students, will help your child to take such decisions quickly and with ease. Simple things, like watching TV, attending a birthday party, finishing homework, completing projects and spending time with the family are the premise of a child's life. They may not seem much to us. However, they are a load for a child. Thus teach your child to prioritize needs, by asking them to choose between what is more important. Decide the importance of a certain need by adjudicating its repercussions, if not done on time. This is where it becomes a real 'mind game' of pushing it, to pull a little weight. C'est la vie, mes amis

Shed the Load
Many times we expect a lot (and I mean a hell lot) from our children. We expect them to be good dancers, great athletes, proficient dramatists and brilliant academicians all rolled in one. Were you like this? No, none of us were. So, why live your unfinished dream through your child. Save your child's time by shedding the extra load, so that it's better utilized for a recreational activity of your child's choice. As you child will begin saving time, he/she will get a chance to devise time management strategies. These self-made time management strategies for students will develop for better as your child grows up.

Time management techniques for students help them live a life beyond the classroom and pursue hobbies, because they are not bogged down by pending homework and deadlines. By managing time they will be able to study effectively and efficiently. As I conclude, the quote given to my friend by his father, 'failing to plan, is planning to fail', comes as an epiphany. Plan and manage your time well, as its limited with unlimited possibilities to explore.