Udersh S. Mahesh, BSc Engineering (Electronic) writes:
Many schoolchildren find it challenging coping with their volume of schoolwork. It becomes overwhelming and they are ill-equipped to deal with this.
The engineer in me is constantly seeking to optimise. Here are some tools that serve me in maximising time.
Write down goals that inspire
We effectively use our time when we have inspired goals. Write them down. An example might be, ‘Obtain a distinction in mathematics by year end’. What’s important is that the goals energise and excite. Your ‘why’ serves as fuel for your actions. Make goals specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.
Plan your work. Work your plan
Create an action plan. Start with the end in mind. Work backwards from there. Deconstruct into smaller actions. I recommend the weekly scheduling template taken from, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Use the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to identify priorities. There are many time management apps too.
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Stay healthy
Studies are showing the effects of unhealthy lifestyles. Dedicate around 45 minutes daily to being active. Adopt a mindfulness practice such as yoga that cultivates focus. Consume organic fruit and vegetables. Ditch sugar. Healthy eating and exercise energise.
See your goal achieved in the mind’s eye
Translate your goals into a ‘vision board’ of what the achievement looks like. See it frequently. The mind cannot differentiate between what’s imagined and what’s real. Use wall space to post key ideas.
Get a group
You are the average of the five people that you spend the most time with. If you want that ‘A’ aggregate, hang out with those already achieving the desired results. Form study groups and lever on combined knowledge. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Eliminate distractions. Don’t multitask
Once down to a task, remove distractions. Find solitude. Turn off technology. Work for at least 45 minutes. There is power in focus.
These have allowed me to be debt free by 35, and devote my time to what I love. It takes six weeks to form a habit. Track the results. Keep what works, discard the rest.
Edited by Allan Robertson
