I was THRILLED to listen to Laura Mae Martin, the Executive Productivity Advisor at Google talk about how to craft your personal productivity approach on the Sparked Podcast with Jonathan Fields. I love to discuss productivity and student time management strategies with my college clients and I heard so many of the same strategies that I teach being discussed!
Maybe I should go work at Google?? No! I love coaching my college clients!
In this post, I will be reflecting on your “time identity”, what I learned from the Sparked podcast, list 5 proven ways to level up your time management, and explain how you can implement these strategies in your everyday life.
Understanding Your Time Identity as a College Student
But first, let’s discuss “time identity.” Our "time identity" really settles in during college.
The shift from a highly structured high school environment to a less structured college environment is a big change!
In high school, students rely on parents, teachers and regular assignments to help keep them on track. College is more like real life, and therefore whatever time management strategies you implement (or don’t implement) during your college years can become your approach to time management as a young adult post-graduation (and even during your career).
If time management wasn't great in high school, college is the perfect opportunity to rewrite a young adult's time identity before it's even more cemented!
Or if your time management was good in high school, now’s the time to upgrade your operating systems to be even more fine-tuned for balancing high productivity, fun, and self-care!
5 Student Time Management Tips to Level Up Your Time Management System
Laura Mae Martin has spent 13 years helping top executives from different companies prioritize their time and energy. Here are some of the key confirmations I heard from her:
There is no one-size-fits-all approach
Each person's system develops over time, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Find what works best for you. One of my clients uses a paper planner, another uses his Google Calendar with a scheduling app, and another uses Post-it Notes!
A calendar system is essential
This system can be personalized, but it must show your academic AND nonacademic priorities.
Realistic scheduling is important!
Next, ask yourself what are the three main priorities that are the most important to you right now? And are these reflected in your schedule? If there are other things, should they be there?
My clients and I often evaluate their schedules with this lens and eliminate non-priorities. Then, we schedule time to allocate for their priorities.
And if you’re struggling to figure out what your priorities are, try this exercise! Imagine you had an entire day to yourself. What goals would you want to accomplish? These are your priorities.
Martin suggests reevaluating your priorities every 3 months. This system works well for my college clients. In 3-4 months when the semester ends, reevaluate your priorities to stay on track with your goals!
For scheduling work time, ask yourself: what are the best times for you to get work done? When do you feel the most productive? Block this time daily to ensure it gets priority status.
Start with small changes!
Don’t try to change all your behaviors at once! Decide one new scheduling change and stick with that until it becomes more routine. Then, add on a new change.
For tasks that you dread or are likely to put off, it’s important to take small steps when completing a task so you stay motivated and avoid procrastinating!
Time identity doesn’t shift overnight, or even in a semester. However, if you start with a singular focus and then add on, you’ll have a well-balanced routine in no time.
Some example questions you can ask yourself to build a well-balanced routine:
- Does my morning routine support my day?
- Does my evening routine set me up for success the next day?
- Does sticking to a start and end time in the library help me avoid burnout?
- Does going to the gym at least twice a week give me ample energy?
Have Boundaries!
Boundaries are crucial to have in college and the rest of your life. Identify what your boundaries are regarding your schedule and stick to them.
Some examples of boundary setting:
- Putting yourself first with how you use your time
- Saying no to activities that don’t serve your goals
- Turning off text or social notifications when working
Although it can be difficult, don’t feel pressured to say yes to everything or everyone. You’ll thank yourself later for putting your priorities first.
Reflection and Final Tips
I had to up level sooo many time management habits in my post-college years, and I wish I had started in college! (the entire reason for this business!).
Finding your own time management system to reach all your goals in college saves so much stress in the short term and long run, and is possible for any college student, starting at any place in their approach to time.
If your college student wants to increase their productivity, let's go! Click here to schedule a consult call to talk through where they are, and where they want to go, and I'll tell you how coaching can help that process.
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