KIS Summary:
- Diary, virtual calendars, or sticky notes? Let us weigh the pros and cons of them all!
- Provides a solution if you're just looking for a short-term reminder rather than long-term plannig.
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“You should keep a journal!”, “Use that calendar on your phone!”, “Buy sticky notes!”
These might be some of the suggestions you’ve been given for your time management woes. It's important to keep track of your tasks and obligations, but that's often easier said than done. Read on to figure out what method will work best for you and begin maximising your valuable time with these time management tips – you will thank yourself soon!
Table of Content:
- What is a Diary good for?
- What is a Virtual Calendar good for?
- What are Sticky Notes and To-Do Lists good for?
- FAQs
What is a Diary good for?
Pros
This could be a physical book, sometimes also called a portfolio or planner, with an entry for each day of the year. It allows you to pen in important events, assignment due dates, and more.
There are also other useful sections, like tables to track your expenses for the month. They come in many designs and sizes, and are useful if you’re someone who likes physical copies of things like books and notes. They can also be great for nostalgia, as once the year is over, you can easily flip through your diary and reminisce on whatever you were doing on any particular day.
Cons
The main drawback of the diary is that it takes a reasonable amount of effort to maintain. You also likely won’t have your diary on you 24/7, so if a particular task arises while away from your diary, you have to remember to write it in. Otherwise, it can be easy to fall behind in keeping track of your time, and things can get overwhelming quickly.
It is also really easy to lose. You might consider combining the diary with other methods to protect your planning just in case.
Overall though, the diary is a great option. As long as you're able to put a little effort into it, your diary will repay you generously with success and peace of mind, and become a historical souvenir.
What is a Virtual Calendar good for?
Pros
This is simply a calendar app on your phone and/or computer. If you’re not a fan of the time management apps that comes with your device, you can download other apps like Google Calendar or Fantastical.
Virtual calendars are very convenient, because you'll likely always have a device nearby, so you can quickly pop in new events or check what's coming up. Many apps will also provide notifications, and can be synced across your various devices, making it even easier to stay on top of things.
Like the diary, these come in many designs, and you can personalise your calendar to create a time management tool you’ll look forward to using.
Cons
The nature of digital calendars comes with the small risk of data breaches, so if you are hot on your cybersecurity, you may wish to look for a calendar with security like two-step verification, or avoid this method entirely.
Furthermore, if you already spend a lot of time on screens as many of us do, then you can always consider a physical diary to avoid adding to your screen time.
Ultimately, virtual calendars are highly convenient and useful for saving time. As long as you remain aware of the potential risks, they are fantastic time management tools.
What are Sticky Notes and To-Do Lists good for?
Pros
Jotting down tasks on sticky notes or to-do lists can be quite effective.
It allows you to take note of tasks very quickly, and you can put these notes in places you'll often look, like on your desk, to ensure you will not forget them. They also allow you to enjoy the tactile writing sensation like the diary, but without the additional effort required to maintain it.
Cons
Be aware, though, that sticky notes and to-do lists don’t allow for long-term planning.
And, if you don’t complete certain tasks on the notes quickly enough, you may find them piling up all over your desk, which can make you overwhelmed and lose focus.
Therefore, these are often best used in conjunction with other methods like, calendars or diaries. You can use those for long-term planning, and use sticky notes and to-do lists for urgent tasks that require immediate attention to get the best of both worlds!
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Conclusion
Whatever method you choose, just make sure you choose one! Even if you’re able to get away with memorising everything for now, it really is an unnecessary risk, especially as your obligations grow in those senior years of school.
Not only are you likely to forget things, but storing all this in your memory takes up mental energy that is better spent on studying, and doing things you enjoy. Even a simple 5-minute to-do list will free you up immensely, allowing you to maximise that brain power of yours and get things done! For more study hacks, check out these KIS Academics articles:
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FAQs
Why should I use any of these tools?
These tools help you manage your time, reduce stress by ensuring that you do not cram everything at the last minute, and improves focus by helping you set clear and achievable goals.
Which method is best for me?
That depends on many factors. If you like the sensation of writing you might be drawn to those physical methods, or if you want quick access then maybe you’d like virtual calendars. If you’re unsure, the easiest way to figure this out is to just try each method for a little while. You should quickly get a feel for how each works for you, and be able to select your favourite.
Will adopting one of these methods reduce my stress?
Absolutely! Whichever method you use, they will all allow you to visualise your tasks and time better, freeing up your mental energy to do other things. They will also improve your feelings of satisfaction and completion as you work through each entry and smash out one task after another.
Will using one of these methods improve my grades?
Probably!
While we shouldn’t make any guarantees, these will likely improve your ability to produce quality work and boost your productivity. You will feel more confident and on top of things, which will flow into your schoolwork. Also, you'll be able to complete tasks more quickly and hit those deadlines as you'll be able to see when assignments and tests are due and plan accordingly. Go for it!
Written by Layne Bailey who studied a Bachelor of Psychology (Advanced) (Honours) at the University of Adelaide.
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