# Time Management
SMART is an acronym that we can use to guide our goal setting. To make sure our goals are clear and reachable, each one should be:
- Specific (simple, sensible, significant)
- Measurable (meaningful, motivating)
- Achievable (agreed, attainable)
- Relevant (reasonable, results-based)
- Time-bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, time-sensitive)
# Secret number one, use a calendar.
Use a calendar to keep track of your time is the only way I can think of for time management. There are digital calendars and paper calendars. I choose to use paper calendars because writing things down helps me to better memorize them. I am also a little bit picky on the inner layout of my calendar. The one I choose to use for 8 years, is the one that has a monthly overview and weekly-daily view. I don't like those calendar that has a really detailed time frame on the daily view and those that does not have a monthly overview.
# Secret number two, planning ahead.
What I mean by planning ahead is having a short term, medium-term and long term goal. Short-term goal means a daily detailed schedule. Medium-term goal sets on your monthly schedule. So just ask yourself what do I want to learn this month? If you felt like you should do more exercise, then attending a Yoga class will be your monthly goal. After you set these goals, you will break them into a detailed daily schedule. Long-term goal is your yearly schedule. If I am a sophomore right now, my long term goal might be I want to attend graduate school after college and this is the goal I set for my next 2 years. These are your "dreams", and your goal to a better future and it's really really important to have them because if you don't, you might just get lost in your life and stay in the same level for a long time. So what you need to do after you have these long term goal? First, you will have to keep your goals and dreams in mind witch might change your decision making and probably change the trajectory of your life.
# Secret number three, be specific and measurable.
If the task you set is vague, it's gonna be different to complete and it will waste time. For example, you can't just write study for 30 minutes. You have to be more specific instead you should write down read chapter 1 to 3 of the book. Also, be measurable. If a task in not clear when it is finished, it may be difficult to move on. The task should be expressed in a way that you know when you will finish it. So be aware of your deadline, if there is not deadline set by others, just give yourself one.
# Secret number four, prioritization and flexibility.
You have to know how to prioritize your tasks and I think this skill is gonna be valuable throughout your life. Writing things down is to make sure you do not forget to finish them but knowing how to prioritize your tasks is what makes your life efficient. Your brain has to go quick to decide what is the most important thing to do at this moment. Also, be flexible with the potential changes that is gonna be made on your schedule. Yes, there will be changes made. Plan some flexible time so you can accommodate those unexpected tasks.
# Secret number five, don't be a perfectionist.
If you can't finish one thing on that day, don't be panic or stressful. For example, if I write down I should apply for this scholarship today, but I didn't. If the deadline to apply is next week, then it will be fine to finish the application tomorrow or within this week. The key to have a calendar and to do time management is to make sure you can finish your task at the end. As long as it can be finished within the right period time, it's fine. I know a lot of people give up on their time management because they could not finish the task they listed. And their perfectionism ceased their good habit. We are humans and we are not machines or robots. We all have a life to enjoy so don't let perfectionism to deprive your happiness.
The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot.
But we remember with far greater pain that we did not see that beauty when it flowered, that we failed to respond with love when it was tendered.
# Reference
