3 effective ideas for time management

When it comes to achieving goals, time management is critical, especially when the goal is as demanding as a Doctorate.

Good time management is a skill that can be learned and mastered by using simple, pre-existing techniques or strategies that produce excellent results.

These three-time management ideas, for example, will work for you if you put them into practice consistently and systematically, allowing you to optimize time, prioritize tasks, and achieve your goals.

Even if it appears to be obvious or logical advice, putting it into practice on a daily basis will make a significant difference in your performance. Remember that the most valuable asset, time, is spent in the smallest of details.

Did you know that the activities we develop in 20% of the time produce 80% of the results? In fact, the really important things take only 30% of the time. So, if we can properly organize ourselves, we can carry out those important tasks while meeting the objectives set.



1. Organize your work.

Scheduling your work allows you to know exactly what task to perform at each moment, leaving no room for improvisation.

Another important point to remember in this regard is to keep your workspace organized. This travels from your desktop to your computer. It is advantageous to have all of your information organized in folders and your notes in clearly labeled notebooks.

Organizing your surroundings will allow you to have a clearer mind while also saving you time on unnecessary searches.

2. Task list, to-do list.

The best way to get organized, either the night before or first thing in the morning, is to make a to-do list. This list can be made on paper, but there are many apps available that can assist you with this task if desired.

The most important thing is to have a list of tasks to complete so that you can get started without worrying about where to start. It is best to begin with the most important task or the one you are least eager to complete. Another requirement for this list is that it be realistic and achievable. The idea is to have small daily victories that give us victory energy so that we can achieve our goals without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Short, medium and long term plan.

Just as having a list that allows you to know what to do day by day is important, because having a course in time will always allow you to have clear objectives.

It is important to note that this is not about having plans written in stone because we all know that situations like the pandemic can change plans at any time, but rather if there is a path that leads us to that great goal, in this case receiving your Ph.D. or post-doctorate, as the case may be.

This plan must be in line with your lifestyle, responsibilities, and available resources. Finally, we would like to emphasize that one of the most important factors in the success or failure of studies is time. Even more so in the case of Doctorate / Ph.D. studies, where students are already of an adult and productive age, and frequently have to balance their studies with family, economic, and work responsibilities.