2 answers
1
Question
2 answers
Justin Shapiro
Accounting | Finance | Financial Systems | Non-Profit Volunteer
76
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Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Chloe,
Managing time effectively in high school is key to balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal life. Here are some tips to help you stay organized and make the most of your time:
1. Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
Why: Writing down your assignments, exams, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments can help you visualize your week.
How: Use a physical planner, Google Calendar, or apps like Notion or Todoist to keep track of deadlines and events.
2. Prioritize Tasks with a To-Do List
Why: Not all tasks are equally important, so prioritize assignments that have closer deadlines or greater importance.
How: Use the “ABC” or “1-2-3” system (e.g., A/1 for top priority) to rank your tasks. Aim to finish high-priority items before moving on to others.
3. Break Down Large Assignments into Smaller Tasks
Why: Breaking big tasks into manageable steps makes them less overwhelming and easier to start.
How: For example, if you have a research paper due, divide it into steps: topic selection, outline, research, draft, and final edit.
4. Set Time Blocks for Focused Study
Why: Allocating specific blocks of time for focused work helps you work more efficiently.
How: Try the Pomodoro Technique (study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break) or set larger blocks of 45-60 minutes with 10-minute breaks in between.
5. Limit Distractions During Study Time
Why: Avoiding distractions helps you get more done in less time.
How: Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode, use website blockers if you’re studying online, and create a quiet study environment.
6. Create a Routine for Homework and Extracurriculars
Why: Having a routine builds consistency, so you always know when to focus on schoolwork and when to unwind.
How: Set a specific time each day for homework and review. For example, study right after school or after a short break to avoid cramming at night.
7. Set Goals for Each Week
Why: Weekly goals give you a sense of direction and accomplishment as you complete tasks.
How: Choose 2–3 main goals each week. For example, "Complete science project draft" or "Study 3 chapters for history test."
8. Avoid Procrastination by Starting Early
Why: Procrastination leads to rushed work and added stress.
How: If you feel like delaying, commit to starting for just 5 minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part, and once you begin, it’s easier to continue.
9. Review and Reflect Weekly
Why: Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t helps you improve your time management skills.
How: Each weekend, assess how well you managed your time that week. Think about what you accomplished, where you struggled, and adjust for the next week.
10. Make Time for Self-Care and Relaxation
Why: Taking breaks to relax helps you avoid burnout and boosts productivity.
How: Schedule downtime each week to do something you enjoy, like hanging out with friends, reading, or working out.
11. Ask for Help When Needed
Why: If you’re struggling with a particular subject or managing your workload, asking for help can prevent stress.
How: Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, counselors, or family members for guidance on time management or difficult subjects.
Managing time effectively in high school is key to balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal life. Here are some tips to help you stay organized and make the most of your time:
1. Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
Why: Writing down your assignments, exams, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments can help you visualize your week.
How: Use a physical planner, Google Calendar, or apps like Notion or Todoist to keep track of deadlines and events.
2. Prioritize Tasks with a To-Do List
Why: Not all tasks are equally important, so prioritize assignments that have closer deadlines or greater importance.
How: Use the “ABC” or “1-2-3” system (e.g., A/1 for top priority) to rank your tasks. Aim to finish high-priority items before moving on to others.
3. Break Down Large Assignments into Smaller Tasks
Why: Breaking big tasks into manageable steps makes them less overwhelming and easier to start.
How: For example, if you have a research paper due, divide it into steps: topic selection, outline, research, draft, and final edit.
4. Set Time Blocks for Focused Study
Why: Allocating specific blocks of time for focused work helps you work more efficiently.
How: Try the Pomodoro Technique (study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break) or set larger blocks of 45-60 minutes with 10-minute breaks in between.
5. Limit Distractions During Study Time
Why: Avoiding distractions helps you get more done in less time.
How: Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode, use website blockers if you’re studying online, and create a quiet study environment.
6. Create a Routine for Homework and Extracurriculars
Why: Having a routine builds consistency, so you always know when to focus on schoolwork and when to unwind.
How: Set a specific time each day for homework and review. For example, study right after school or after a short break to avoid cramming at night.
7. Set Goals for Each Week
Why: Weekly goals give you a sense of direction and accomplishment as you complete tasks.
How: Choose 2–3 main goals each week. For example, "Complete science project draft" or "Study 3 chapters for history test."
8. Avoid Procrastination by Starting Early
Why: Procrastination leads to rushed work and added stress.
How: If you feel like delaying, commit to starting for just 5 minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part, and once you begin, it’s easier to continue.
9. Review and Reflect Weekly
Why: Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t helps you improve your time management skills.
How: Each weekend, assess how well you managed your time that week. Think about what you accomplished, where you struggled, and adjust for the next week.
10. Make Time for Self-Care and Relaxation
Why: Taking breaks to relax helps you avoid burnout and boosts productivity.
How: Schedule downtime each week to do something you enjoy, like hanging out with friends, reading, or working out.
11. Ask for Help When Needed
Why: If you’re struggling with a particular subject or managing your workload, asking for help can prevent stress.
How: Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, counselors, or family members for guidance on time management or difficult subjects.
Updated
Steve’s Answer
This is a great question and shows a lot of self-awareness at your age to be digging into it.
1st I want to say there is not a right answer here, there are strategies, tips, tools, etc. but the only right answer is the ones that work for you. Many people will tell you what works for them and tell you here is what you have to do and then when a strategy does not work with you, you figure it is you, or that the person's advice was bad when in reality that particular strategy or application of it didn't work for you. What I am trying to say is as you get advice from others take the one that resonate with you, try them, if it doesn't work see if you can tweak it to fit you more or scrap it and try another. You don't need a toolbox filled with tools that worked for Bob, Sally and Harry you need the tools the work for Chloe.
That being said here are some ideas that me and/or members of my family use:
1. Daily Worksheet - I am an IT manager and have ADHD, I can get a lot done and be hyper-focused but I can also be scattered at times and this helps me keep my life in line. I use a paper one and have a different sheet each day, with sections to map out what I did (for status reports later and time sheets) all of my tasks (even if I am not getting to them writing them down each day means I had to think actively about it for 15 seconds to write it down so I don't completely forget them :) ) , Meeting/appointments for the day, Look ahead for the week with notes, deadlines and highlights and longer lookahead for thigs coming up that I don't want to forget. It takes me about 15 minutes to write it out at the beginning of the day. 2 of my kids and my wife think it's a waste of time but one of daughters adopted it although she made it an electronic planner and says it helped her get through college and into her work life.
2. Understand what drives your tasks - There are Date Driven tasks, Critical (Need to be done ASAP), Important (You know they are important even if someone isn't on you about them), Other tasks (You don't want to completely ignore these as they are usually things you want to do or things that if ignored to long can slip into the critical). Strategize how to attack these without adding more hours to the day (Impossible I have tried!).
a. I always start with Date Driven - Understand what is driving the date and if it is truly a deadline figure out what work you will need to do and when to get it done
b. Look at the Critical - Determine is it really critical (if everything is critical nothing is critical) If it is really critical then do your best to prioritize it
c. Look at the important - If it is important to you it is important (no matter what anyone else says) I have 3 kids and one is very musical and it is important for him to sit down at the piano or with his guitar and play for a 1/2 hour or so , another is into video games and needs to just reset her mind while the third is a reader and that is important to her. To the other 2 these can seem trivial but to the one who it is important to it is something that needs to be prioritized.
d. Small tasks that can be done quickly do them if you can and keep them off your list - Nothing drives me crazier then my list growing and never shrinking. When small tasks come into my eMail or across my desk that are only going to take 15 minutes or 1/2 and hour I usually try to get them done right away (I also put them on my list just so I can c heck them off, everyone likes to check things off occasionally)
3. Create routine - I cannot speak for everyone but for me habit = sustainability. What I mean by that is once I have created a habit I can keep it going. This works for me whether it is task management, organizing, exercise, diet, sleep quality, etc.
These are just a few I use (or my family) keep seeking advice (I see some great suggestions from Justin), keep trying new strategies figure out what works for Chloe.
Good Luck in all that you aspire to!
1st I want to say there is not a right answer here, there are strategies, tips, tools, etc. but the only right answer is the ones that work for you. Many people will tell you what works for them and tell you here is what you have to do and then when a strategy does not work with you, you figure it is you, or that the person's advice was bad when in reality that particular strategy or application of it didn't work for you. What I am trying to say is as you get advice from others take the one that resonate with you, try them, if it doesn't work see if you can tweak it to fit you more or scrap it and try another. You don't need a toolbox filled with tools that worked for Bob, Sally and Harry you need the tools the work for Chloe.
That being said here are some ideas that me and/or members of my family use:
1. Daily Worksheet - I am an IT manager and have ADHD, I can get a lot done and be hyper-focused but I can also be scattered at times and this helps me keep my life in line. I use a paper one and have a different sheet each day, with sections to map out what I did (for status reports later and time sheets) all of my tasks (even if I am not getting to them writing them down each day means I had to think actively about it for 15 seconds to write it down so I don't completely forget them :) ) , Meeting/appointments for the day, Look ahead for the week with notes, deadlines and highlights and longer lookahead for thigs coming up that I don't want to forget. It takes me about 15 minutes to write it out at the beginning of the day. 2 of my kids and my wife think it's a waste of time but one of daughters adopted it although she made it an electronic planner and says it helped her get through college and into her work life.
2. Understand what drives your tasks - There are Date Driven tasks, Critical (Need to be done ASAP), Important (You know they are important even if someone isn't on you about them), Other tasks (You don't want to completely ignore these as they are usually things you want to do or things that if ignored to long can slip into the critical). Strategize how to attack these without adding more hours to the day (Impossible I have tried!).
a. I always start with Date Driven - Understand what is driving the date and if it is truly a deadline figure out what work you will need to do and when to get it done
b. Look at the Critical - Determine is it really critical (if everything is critical nothing is critical) If it is really critical then do your best to prioritize it
c. Look at the important - If it is important to you it is important (no matter what anyone else says) I have 3 kids and one is very musical and it is important for him to sit down at the piano or with his guitar and play for a 1/2 hour or so , another is into video games and needs to just reset her mind while the third is a reader and that is important to her. To the other 2 these can seem trivial but to the one who it is important to it is something that needs to be prioritized.
d. Small tasks that can be done quickly do them if you can and keep them off your list - Nothing drives me crazier then my list growing and never shrinking. When small tasks come into my eMail or across my desk that are only going to take 15 minutes or 1/2 and hour I usually try to get them done right away (I also put them on my list just so I can c heck them off, everyone likes to check things off occasionally)
3. Create routine - I cannot speak for everyone but for me habit = sustainability. What I mean by that is once I have created a habit I can keep it going. This works for me whether it is task management, organizing, exercise, diet, sleep quality, etc.
These are just a few I use (or my family) keep seeking advice (I see some great suggestions from Justin), keep trying new strategies figure out what works for Chloe.
Good Luck in all that you aspire to!