Time Management

      'Time' is one of those elements can never be regained when lost. It is the building block of all the world because as world undergoes evolution, time plays a major role in its development. Even life as we know it is measures by time in years, months, week and days; in essence,  Time is Life.
      Like any other natural element, time must be managed judiciously, as it can never be regained. This is where the term "Time Management"comes into play.
Hence the question, 'what is time management?'
      It is believed that time management is process whereby an individual plans, calculates, schedules and organises daily, weekly or regular activities in order to make optimum use of available time  in a day and to avoid disorderliness and disorganisation. When time is effectively managed, an individual can benefit from it financially, socially, phycologically, emotionally and physically.
However, experts seem to have a more concise defition. According to Tiedemann(2007):                         
'Time management is a self-disciplined, self-discovered tool by which is a standard of measure that we are all given to quantify our priorities in any given day. It is simply how we manage our time, manage our disciplines and ultimately, manage our selves in our mindsets in a balanced mental, physical and Spiritual manner of delegation of that time'.

  Although this emphasis on time and time mangement had gone on for decades, many people still find it either difficult or unnecessary to manage this irreplaceable element. This is because time management requires some basic skills. Some of these skills are:

• Prioritization:- this is necessary in order to be able to separate one's needs from one's wants. This means differentiating between important activities and desirous activities for example, a student  putting a study session at higher priority than playing football which is for leisure. This can be achived by creating a task list which activities are arranged in order of importance. 

• Goal Setting:- this is also helps to create a pathway in which one can plan present and future ambitions. It gives individuals a sense of focus in every situation This can be achieved through structured schedules.   

As an individual, I also possess have some strengths and weaknesses with regards to time management:

TIME   MANAGEMENT    SKILL	STRENGTHS	WEAKNESSES	PROPOSED SOLUTION
Having a daily schedule or reminder	Keep a diary for daily activities.	Find it difficult to strictly keep to it.	Being principled and determined.
Assignments and Research	Mostly finish work on time.	Sometimes forget deadline of submission.	Have constant reminders on all devices.
Studying	Have a pre-planned study time.	Get easily distracted.	Locate quiet and suitable places to study.
Attendance	Always get to appointments and classes early.	May forget some of the necessary material that is required.	Do a check-list of necessary items before leaving.

In summary, TIME is the essence of Life and is measured by time, hence it should be properly invested in order to witness positive results in all areas of life.


Reference:
Tiedemann, L.(2007) What does Time Management Mean for You? Available at:        http://www.articlesbase.com/time-management-articles/what-does-time-management-mean-for-you-274353.html(Accessed: 17 February 2012)