USJ
ICO
NEWSLETTER
MARCH
2018
ISSUE 6
E F F E C T I V E T I M E
M A N A G E M E N T
by Joana Costa, Intern at USJ’s ICO
Effective time management is an essential skill
to have in order to become a successful
professional. Amongst other benefits, it can
improve your grades, help with your stress
management and also help you be competitive
during your futher studies or in the field you
choose to work in after completing your studies.
However, you should not worry if you are still
To-do:
not a time management expert – you can always
improve and develop your skills! According to
the New York University, the following are tips
you should consider to better manage your time
effectively:
✓ Spend time planning and organizing. ✓ Consider your biology. Do you prefer working
Customize the planning to your preferences. If in the morning, afternoon or at night?
you would like to have color and pictures, then Considering these type of aspects will only
draw on a calendar! benefit your time management.
✓ Be flexible! Experts suggest that you should ✓ Effectiveness first, efficiency second. You
only plan 50% or less of your time, so that you should do the right thing first, and only then
allow time for distractions or interruptions. aim to do it right.
✓ Set SMART(ER) goals. Goals give you ✓ Be careful with perfectionism. Perfectionism
direction and they should be: Specific, and unrealistic expectations can be a form of
Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. procrastination if you do not put the brakes on
Additionally, goals should also be Empowering paying unnecessary attention to detail.
and Reviewable.
✓ Conquer procrastination! If you are avoiding a
✓ Prioritize and remove the urgent. Urgent tasks
certain task, divide it into smaller ones.
have short-term consequences so aim to do
those first before handling important tasks that ✓ Learn to say “no”. It can be hard to say no
have long-term and usually goal-related but it is essential that you overcome this
implications. difficulty – you and your priorities are
important!
✓ Use a to-do list. Some people prefer a daily
to-do list, others combine a to-do list with a ✓ Reward yourself! Balance is key so you
schedule and others prefer to have a to-do list should celebrate your achievements.
that is constantly being updated. Find the one
that works for you!