I'm sure that every one of us must have prepared a time-table for ourselves at least once in our lifetime. During our school days we have talked big about becoming a good student by studying seriously. We make elaborate study plans, get really engrossed in designing it and forget the whole purpose of it. Even when it sets off, the streak only lasts for a while.
Every year there are three decisive moments in a student's life where they draw time tables like charms for miracles:
New Year's Eve. Yepp those lies we declare about changing for the better only to continue the same.
Beginning of the Academic year. When the fascination of new books and subjects inspire us to be regular with our studies. And it usually lasts only till the first internals after which we go back to our lazy ways.
After Open House. I don't have to explain the drama and promises that embellish this ritual...we all know.
So why do all these plans start so well but fail as we go? Is it because of lack of discipline? Ineffectiveness of the plan of action? Lack of motivation? Laziness? All we can say is that it's a bit of everything.
I will share with you a few of the things I have learnt so far when it comes to planning my day.
The first thing we need to keep in mind is that, what works for one person need not work for another. The plan should be something that is practical in your situation and suit your personal style of doing things. The next is to make it as simple as possible. Listing down the main tasks you have to finish in a day is a good start. This is to prevent you from making elaborate complex routines from the beginning which is not only time-consuming but can also lead to disappointment if things don't go accordingly. We don't need that when we start out.
Successfully ticking of the tasks you finished in a day makes you feel productive and these little achievements keep you motivated to finish your work. Next, you can mark deadlines in your calender and have long term monthly goals. It could be personal - like reading these many books in a month or waking up early. It can also be related to studies, maybe a test scheduled at the end of the month or a seminar to present. Then you divide your work over the month making sure not to cram too much work in a single day if you can afford it. I would advice planning to finish your assignment a day prior to the deadline, just in case something goes wrong and you need extra time.
Personally, I find scheduling things minute by minute to be stressing as any slight difference can dishearten you at times. So I don't write down timings but keep a rough sense of it in my mind so as not to lose track of time. And it works for me.
Charting your day in your mind the night before helps save time and confusion when you wake up. Deciding on what to wear or eat in the morning beforehand prevents dilemma and keeps your mind focused on more important decisions. A slow and calm morning can keep a person energized all day.
Let the following quote be etched in our minds as we build ourselves block by block :
“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.”
- Joel A. Barker
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