PLAN IT ALL OUT–My Master Plan for a stress free life! 
I just embarked on a new experience in life….GRAD SCHOOL! I really just want to go crazy but I know that I cant. I don’t want to over stress myself to the point where I will burn out. I am working and taking class, so I feel like I have 2 full time jobs. The truth of the matter is , I need some time management skills! I feel as if I get tons of stuff done everyday, but with the way of life and everything that I want to do….I NEED TO GET IT TOGETHER. Yes, I am not perfect and I know that I may need some help. In order to help myself, I needed to learn how to plan everything out, basically organize my life. Here are some tips that I decided to share with you all and I hope they benefit you as it is making a huge difference for me!
When you plan your day it can help you feel more accomplished and in control of your life. Here are some tips that will help you to a successful, organized and stress free life
“TO DO LIST”: Now I am just going to be honest with you, sometimes everything wont get done and often you may want to switch it up a bit and not follow the list. By all means go for it. In my opinion a “TO DO LIST” will defiantly get you started on the right track! Creating a “TO DO LIST” that is comfortable to YOU will work. Some people like to put the most important tasks at the top, or others may want to start off with the smaller tasks, to get more accomplished. Either way, something is getting done J
KEEP A SCHEDULE: Keeping a schedule of your daily activities will allow you to minimize all the last minute rushing! When you prioritize what is important on your schedule you will be able to spend more time on what is necessary and the things that can wait.
SAY NO NO NO : Learn to say NO to people or tasks that are non essential to day. Take the time that you do have to do your best QUALIUTY work! Quality is better than quantity. I would say be sure to consider all of your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on extra loads!
BREAK IT UP: If you cant get everything done all it once. Break the bigger tasks down into something much smaller and manageable! A professor ( Dr. Robert Gilbert) once told me to do the “15 Minute” rule, which means to try something new for 15 minute just to see if you would like it. So try the “15 Minute” Rule when breaking down tasks. Work on the daunting tasks for 15 minutes each day until its done. Hey you never know, once you start you probably wont be able to stop.
WHERE DID THE TIME GO: Figure out what’s taking up most of your time. A few years back I had a conversation with Darren Ventre (Motivational Speaker), he doesn’t know it but he changed my life. He told me to keep a diary of everything that happens everyday. Write down all the good, bad and the ugly.
So I’m telling you to start a journal. Write down what is taking up your time for about a week and look for time that can be used to your benefit. For instance, if you take the public transportation to work, can you use that time to catch up on reading or phone calls to some loved ones. Or instead of watching that hour-long program, may be able to listen to it from the kitchen and spend time cooking. Learn to work around what you have!
MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS: This is a big problem for me. Especially in undergrad all I wanted to do was to talk to friends, watch TV, use social media etc. I had to learn to turn off electronics, friends and emails. You may not be as bad as I am, but limiting these distractions will get a hell of a lot done. I usually head to my mobile office (Barnes and Nobles) a quiet place in the library or a cool coffee shop that no one knows about.
I really hope this helps plenty of you. Please send and share with others as well. If you have any time management or organizations skills that I did not include PLEASE leave a comment, it will help others as well. I really do need help. Remember “Life is a marathon, not a race.” – Always ask for help when you need it. It’s the start that stops most people, every little bit can help.
Be Blessed, Be Inspired, Be Powerful
Asiah Lemon
Enjoyed reading your article regarding time management while you’re taking grad school courses. Minimizing distractions and breaking larger tasks into smaller steps have worked for me. Hopefully your lists proves helpful to folks who stop by your blog. Keep writing!