I honestly think time management is one of the most difficult things to master, especially in the fast-paced environment we live today. With something unique always trending, new and addicting television shows consistently being released, and the many other endless distractions that afflict everyday life, it can be extremely difficult to focus and get stuff done.

I have had my own difficulties navigating time management these past few months during the transition to college. My schedule in high school was very structured and pretty much planned down to the minute. I learned very quickly, however, that college was quite the opposite. I could not have felt more free. I finally began to experience the autonomy I had been looking forward to for so long.

But I also knew this influx of spare time was just as much a responsibility as it was a freedom. I knew I had to manage how I wanted to spend it, but I very quickly found myself being pulled many directions. I wanted to explore my new city of Chicago, make time to meet new people, join new clubs and organizations, and even start this blog. Amidst all this, I also had to dedicate adequate time to maintaining good grades and pursuing professional development opportunities.

Trust me, it was a struggle at first. Homework doesn’t complete itself, and items on a to-do list don’t check themselves off. I know, it’s quite the breakthrough discovery isn’t it? But seriously, it’s true. Here are some of the things I’ve figured out over the past few months that have helped me tremendously with my own management of time in college. Perfect time management is not going to come easy or right away, but with a little practice, you will have a much better hold not just on your day-to-day life, but also your future goals and dreams.

Find your ideal work/study space

Being exposed to a completely new campus required some major adjustment. I am the type of person who needs silence when I do homework, so I began to seek out all the spaces on campus that were quiet. After some trial and error, I found one or two spots that I knew I could go to get work done. These are the places I head when I know I have a big paper to write or an important test to study for. The point is, whether you are on a college campus or not, devote some time to finding a place or two where you are best able to focus and free yourself from distractions. This is where you will be most productive, resulting in the overall most efficient use of your time.

Figure out when you are most productive

I think this is a very important tip because it can feel almost impossible to get something done when you are not in the proper frame of mind to do it. Over time, I have determined that I am most productive in the mornings. I find that I am fresh and motivated for the day ahead and much better able to focus on the task at hand than super late at night when all I want to do is relax and go to bed. Knowing this about myself, I plan to get important tasks done during the morning. The more you can maximize on when you are most productive, the more you will be able to get what you need done in the least amount of time and with the least struggle.

Understand your limitations

Some days are just plain rough. I sporadically have days where I feel so exhausted that all I want to do is lay down and take a nap. As long as this isn’t a daily occurrence, it is important to honor the times when you are not at your best. Take some time to relax and help build yourself back up rather than force yourself to do things when you are not in the right state of mind to complete them. This tip takes discipline and it isn’t always feasible when deadlines are looming and you have no choice but to power through. However, when you can, listen to what your body is telling you and take care to get yourself back to normal functioning.

Give yourself incentives

Coffee. Online shopping. The latest episode of your favorite TV show. A good book. A snack. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, but always try to think of something you consistently look forward to as a means to power through what you need to get done. This holds you accountable and prevents you from having what you want until you accomplish the task. With the right discipline, this tactic really works. Not just that, but it may also motivate you to get the task done faster than you otherwise would have.

Plan your weeks and days ahead of time

Mapping my week out ahead of time helps me see all the major things I have coming up so I am not blindsided by anything. It helps me recognize what days are busy and which days are more open so I can plan when to get my work done accordingly. Making a checklist of things I want to get done the night before each day also helps me hit the ground running right when I wake up rather than wasting time trying to figure it out as the day goes on. It gives each day purpose and prevents me from feeling like I am just going through the motions.

Set a timer for tv/phone/social media

One episode turns to two, two turn to three, and before you know it the whole day (or night) is gone. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that. The same thing is true for being on your phone and social media. I have found that the easiest way to combat this temptation is to give yourself set amounts of time for these things by setting a timer. This allows you to know exactly how much time you are actually spending and helps you stay on track to get things done.

Take a break

I personally find this very hard to do because I do not like resting until something is completely done. But we are human, and we need a good break every now and then. In the midst of the most stressful times when there is too much to do and not enough time, just remember that everything is going to get done. It may require multiple cups of coffee and a little less sleep than desirable, but it will get done. Always remember that.

Just begin

I try to continuously remind myself that the hardest part of any task is simply starting. Once you begin, progress starts to unfold and suddenly the task doesn’t seem so daunting. The beauty of most work is it doesn’t have to be completed all at once. Break it into multiple smaller pieces if you have to, but it will be much easier to come back to if you have already started taking a crack at it. Take a deep breath, and just begin.