'One of the most important skills, time management is the key to develop a positive attitude and successful lifestyle’

There is nothing more valuable than time and who can understand this better than an exam-bound student who is preparing for the Board examination. Learning how to manage time is one of the most important skills the students learn at school. Time management is traditionally not taught as an academic subject, but undoubtedly it is the key to develop a positive attitude and successful lifestyle.

Effective and dedicated time management leaves no place for procrastination. It has been rightly said that ‘if you take care of the minutes the years will take care of themselves.’ When a student meets the specific daily study goals, he/she will naturally be infused with confidence. This inspires students to achieve more by setting higher goals and attaining them too.

Many students who often struggle to complete their assignments and routine studies, consequently feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed.

However, with proper time management, the students can study well and focus on all aspects of their school life. If one is getting ready to face an examination, how well a person manages the time will eventually impact his/her overall preparedness.

The students while preparing for Board exams, attempt practice papers and set a time limit for each question. They try to adhere to the same and then check if they are able to complete the paper within the pre-set time constraints; the focus being on writing speed and precision.

Furthermore, they learn to keep the answers apt and informative with reference to the weightage of the question asked.

By applying this strategy, students are able to solve the questions and review the same within the stipulated time limit.

Over the years I have experienced that the regular conduct of such practice tests along with talk shows by eminent personalities enable students to understand the significance of setting the time limit and inculcate better time keeping skills, further polishing their managerial skills.

Time management is intertwined with discipline and vice versa. If one consistently adheres to the set timetable then automatically all activities fall in the correct time frame. The person wakes up on time, studies on time, goes to bed on time, stays away from temptations, and is persistent in putting in effort. In other words, the individual embraces discipline in his/her life.

Haphazard learning and erratic study hours always trigger panic at the eleventh hour, when tasks begin piling. However, if a person diligently follows a timely routine all through the period of preparation, there is no cause for sudden panic as the students would already have a fair idea of their progress and set targets.

When a specific schedule is planned down to every minute, and one makes sure things go according to plan, it won’t be long before they start feeling a sense of satisfaction and achievement.

This calm and quiet fulfilment – at having the power to take charge of one’s life and lead it correctly with conviction - would soon begin to seep into consciousness, filling it with positivity and a sense of accomplishment.

Proper time management focuses on the three P’s -- PLAN, PREPARE and PRIORITIZE, i.e the key for life management!

Swarnima Luthra is the Principal of ASN Senior Secondary School, Mayur Vihar-I, Delhi. Views expressed are personal.