Time Management Definitions Time management is the ability to plan how you spend your time on different activities. Activities can include things you have to do (e.g., sleep, eat), things you want to do (e.g., have fun with friends, spend time outside), and things you may not look forward to (e.g., homework, going to a doctor's appointment). Everyone has tasks they need to do every day. Good time management skills help you get each task done without rushing or feeling stressed.
Many people need to be taught how to manage their time, and then practice it often. As we get older, we have more responsibilities and more things to keep track of. That's why it is important to have strategies to help you manage your time. These strategies can help you finish tasks and deal with distractions (e.g., phone app notifications) that may interrupt you. Not every time management tool works for everybody. Each person has to find what works best for them.
Guiding Questions Do you find yourself running late to class, to appointments, to sports practice, etc.? Do you find it hard to balance your schoolwork, your social life, family time, and taking care of yourself? Do you ever feel like time just disappears for you? What are you usually doing when this happens? What’s harder for you: starting something or finishing it? What time management strategies do you use to keep yourself on track? Are there specific apps or tools you use that help you manage your time? What is one new time management skill you can start working on today? Resources 10 Proven Time Management Skills You Should Learn Today – Lifehack (lifehack.org) This article shares 10 time management skills that everyone should work on.
Accessible Time Tracking – Perkins (perkins.org) This article from Perkins School for the Blind shares a variety of accessible time tracking tools that can be used to support efficient time management.
Finding a Strategy: Time management skills – The Open University (help.open.ac.uk) The Open University provides several tips for time management at the university level. Each content area includes a short video with a transcript.
How Good is Your Time Management? – MindTools (mindtools.com) This website includes a short (15-question) time management self-assessment to enable you to evaluate how good your time management is right now. Following the quiz the article shares insights into the areas where you may need support along with specific tools you can use for each.
Making it Work: Executive Function Tools to Build Skills – Perkins (perkins.org) In this resource, learn about executive function tools to develop academic, professional, and independent living skills. Time management is one of several executive function skills.
Time Management for Kids with LD Although this article is focused on students with learning disabilities, the resource shares helpful time management strategies for all students. Some examples of strategies include using a planner and making tasks achievable.
Focus Keeper This app, recommended by Kat Kirbaba (Student Advisory Member), is a simple app that helps you stay on task by using short study sessions with breaks in between, so you don’t get overwhelmed. It’s great for managing homework, studying for tests, or staying focused during classwork.
Someday- One Day at a Time This app, recommended by Kat Kirbaba (Student Advisory Member), helps you stay organized by sorting your tasks into three simple categories: today, tomorrow, and someday. It’s easy to use and designed to reduce stress while helping you keep track of what’s important.
