Managing Time: School, Work and Leisure

Everyday in our life we set aside a time and much of this is for studying and working either outside or at home doing some errands and house chores. After high school or college comes next is entering the professional career and that again is work and study but more in working. The question is where is the leisure part comes in? Some would say, "I have no time for fun", "I need to work harder"... But is it worthwhile?

Studying and working hard is very essential in building one's career or future economic stability. The benefits that one can reap from being diligent at what he does is vastly enormous. As Marlon Wayan says, "Success is not a destination, but the road that you're on. Being successful means that you're working hard and walking your walk every day. You can only live your dream by working hard towards it. That's living your dream." Even Vince Lombardi Jr. agreed too by saying,“The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything.” I could almost claim that because of my hard work I graduated from college, and after years of studying hard finally passed the qualifying exams. But how I did it, blows me away! What I discovered along my journey to success is the missing piece to my pie chart, first is Study, second is Work and lastly Leisure. Spending quality time with my family and friends and at church is one of the most satisfying and fulfilling things. It refreshes one's mind, it creates a clearer thinking mindset and a wider perspective. In these times I've got to rest, pray, recharge and do my favorite hobbies and this is where my inspirations is built.

Working and studying hard can benefit us from achieving almost anything, but it doesn't guarantee success in a world's point of view. Because there are a lot of factor to consider in become "successful" n the world. These are just few but important factor such as wealth, connections, and a little bit of politics and successful communication or marketing oneself. The link between the gap of "working hard" and "success" is known as of what we called "Working Smarter". As the saying goes, "Time is gold" so better use time wisely and part of working smarter is Time management. Chapter 3, p. 85 of Managing Your Time from the book Essential Study Skills by Linda Wong, says, "Time Management is a highly prized skill in both the work force and the academic world. Learning to manage time effectively will help you meet your goals, be productive, and achieve success in many different avenues of your life. The following strategies will help you apply your time-management skills more effectively and consistently."

How to apply Time Management?
First, Be Flexible - Set a flexible daily task to accomplish each day. Even the littlest thing done is a great achievement. If a task is a long term process, patience is the key. Just keep on working on it.
Secondly, Post a note reminder - Post a note of things to do, in your work area and even right in front door of your fridge, this will remind you of your daily tasks and schedules to meet, knowing your schedules, maybe your family and friends could help in their little own way.
Third and lastly, Seek Solutions to Time-Management Problems. "Some would find that their lives have specific circumstances that make creating a weekly time-management schedule difficult. Be resourceful and seek solutions to your scheduling conflicts. Discuss your circumstances with your instructor or with other students; frequently they will be able to suggest solutions." Chapter 3 p.85, Managing your Time, Essential Study Skills by Linda Wong.

To summarize it, Learning Time-management helps one balanced their time for studying and working and for leisure. It is a skill that need to be practiced, and eventually mastering it will help one to  achieve the desired goal in a span of time or a specific amount of time. Everyone needs everyone, helping a friend, making time for family, and setting time for God and church, do charity works is using your time wisely. As would Ecclesiastes Chapter Three verse One would say,"To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:..."


Written by:
Christine Guerrero


 Marlon Wayan says, "Success is not a destination,...."; Vince Lombardi Jr.,“The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. work is the key to success,...."
Chapter 3, p. 85 of Managing Your Time from the book Essential Study Skills by Linda Wong,