Prioritization & Time Management

What are your priorities? What is important to you? How do you prioritize your time? Are you making excuses? 

I’ve come to the realization that prioritizing your time is everything. I’m not going to lie, I used to be the world’s biggest procrastinator, mostly when it came to school. I just hated homework. More than anything. Those bad habits soon shifted from school to other aspects of my life without me even realizing. Procrastinating became second nature to me. I put everything off. School, appointments, workouts, jobs, etc. You name it, I probably procrastinated it.

My procrastination triggered unnecessary stress and anxiety. I had no form of structure. I had no routine. I finished things last minute. I acted like I didn’t care but in reality, I did. SO much. Probably more than most people. I cared a lot more than I led myself to believe or portrayed to others. In the back of my mind all of the procrastination qualities and characteristics I possessed caused me to feel anxious and out of control. This lasted pretty much all of high school. If I’m being completely honest, I coasted my way through it. I wasn’t a terrible student by any means but I know I could’ve done better and should’ve tried harder.

This leads me to college. Upon entering college, I knew I was going to have to put in the effort, get my priorities straight, and lastly change my habits/work ethic. If I didn’t I knew I wouldn’t be successful. Plain and simple. I started to research and discover tools that would aid in better time management and prioritization.

Time Management & Prioritization Tips: (All of which have helped me immensely)!! 

• Utilize A Planner – Write down important deadlines, due dates, appointments, etc. Write it all down and plan out your days so you accomplish what you need to on time and in an effective manner. I write down everything. I like to have a plan and fit things appropriately into my daily routine.

• To Do Lists & Reminders – Once again, write it down. Set them in your phone. Set them using your computer. Note what you need to accomplish. Plan out your grocery list, write down who you need to call, what you need to finish at work or for school, etc. Writing things down means you are less likely to forget about them and won’t be left stressing and scrambling to finish at the last minute.

• Color Coat Stuff – This works extremely well for me. Color coating things and categorizing them creates a sense of organization. It’s a good system to ensure that I remember and carry out tasks. It might be my OCD that makes me love this so much, but regardless it’s a great tool if you need some organization or order.

• Create Schedules & Use Calendars – These can be a great addition to the above. A calendar allows you to keep track of stuff and see what needs to be done or what is coming up. Phone calendars, desk calendars, computer calendars, wall calendars, they’re all great! Have them accessible so that you can refer to them quickly. I have used google calendars in the past, printed out multiple copies, and then kept them in various places for reference.

I think that people often make excuses and don't utilize their time or prioritize things properly. People always ask me how do you find time to do everything you do? Simple, I plan my day around the things I want to accomplish and the goals I have for myself. Thats not to say I don't get stressed out or overwhelmed at times because I do. There are days where I have no idea how I am going to get everything done. We all have those days. I find myself way less stressed knowing how to effectively utilize my time and prioritize though. 

I prioritize and mange my time around things daily. I make sleep a priority. I can't function without sleep. I work to get at least nine hours a night and most of the time I do. This sets me up for success everyday. I am always energized and ready to take on my tasks. I make the gym a priority because I know it will make leave me feeling good and gives me a chance to do something I love daily. I leave time for my schoolwork and any errands I may need to run. I schedule all of the above into my day because they are important to me.

STOP MAKING EXCUSES. If you have goals, ambitions, and things you want to accomplish, you are more than capable of doing so. I promise!!!! However, if you continue to make excuses, put them off, or simply don't manage your time and set priorities for yourself, you won't be successful. You have to want it. You have to find time and prioritize the things that are important to you. I hate hearing that someone doesn't have time or energy to do something. Sometimes you simply won't have time and that's okay but if you work to prioritize and manage your time well the majority of the time, you will be happy and find a successful routine for yourself. 

Aim for consistency. Work at it each day. It doesn't have to happen all at once. Slowly start doing the things you want to and making time for your priorities. Slow and steady. Don't push yourself too hard because you will become overwhelmed and most likely give up. Incorporate these tools and tips into your life and simply find what works best for you. It may take some trial and error. You might have to switch things up a few times, but if you stay consistent then I promise you will find your groove and figure out what will lead you to be most successful. 

 -Mik