Tips for Managing Study Time

You don’t need more hours. You need better systems. Time isn’t the problem, attention is. These 6 time management strategies have helped me regain control, reduce burnout, and actually finish what matters. Here’s how to use them (plus how to start 👇): 1) Conduct a Time Audit Most people don’t need more time, they need more clarity on where it’s going. How to start: Track how you spend each hour for 2–3 days Group tasks into categories (work, admin, distraction, etc.) Spot time leaks and areas to optimize 2) Focus on One Thing at a Time Multitasking feels productive, but it lowers your output and increases errors. How to start: Choose one task and set a timer (e.g., 25 or 50 minutes) Turn off notifications and close unused tabs Don’t switch until the timer ends 3) Give Yourself a Reward Motivation increases when there’s a small win at the finish line. How to start: Set a reward tied to task completion (coffee break, walk, snack) Keep it small but satisfying Don’t skip the reward even for easy tasks 4) Use Apps to Block Distractions Your brain craves stimulation. Removing temptation boosts focus without willpower. How to start: Try apps like Freedom, Cold Turkey, or Forest Block distracting sites during work windows Set boundaries for phone use during deep work 5) Time Block Your Calendar What gets scheduled gets done. Time blocks turn intention into execution. How to start: Plan your day the night before Block 60–90 min chunks for deep work Include buffer time and breaks to avoid burnout 6) Set Clear Daily Priorities If everything is important, nothing is. Prioritization saves hours of indecision. How to start: Identify your top 1–3 priorities each morning Tackle them before checking email or messages Review your list at day’s end to track progress You don’t need to master all 6. Start with one. Build from there. ✨ Small shifts create major clarity.

“It's challenging for me to maintain a consistent study schedule, especially as a working professional. “ This is a problem many of us face. Like trying to build a house on shifting sand, an inconsistent study schedule makes it hard to retain knowledge and progress. As Stephen Covey said, “we may be very busy, we may be very efficient, but we will also be truly effective only when we begin with the end in mind.” The demands of work and life can knock our schedules off track.  Unexpected challenges arise, priorities shift, and study time gets squeezed out.  Before we know it, we’re cramming the night before an exam or letting certifications lapse. I’ve been there myself.  As the founder and CEO of EduHubSpot,We help working professionals earn project management certifications. My team and I have coached hundreds of learners.  We’ve found a few key strategies that help keep study on track: -->Build a study habit.  Like a pilot runs pre-flight checks, make study a regular ritual. Brief daily study sessions are better than occasional marathon ones. -->Make a realistic schedule.  Block out study time in your calendar and protect it. Be honest about your bandwidth. Slow progress is better than no progress. -->Make it a priority.  Treat study time as sacrosanct, not optional. Say no to other commitments if needed. Your goals deserve focused effort. -->Review and adjust.  Reflect each week on what’s working and what’s not. Fine-tune your schedule to stay on track. The path to success rarely runs straight. With the right systems, we can take control of our learning amidst life’s twists and turns. Little by little, we can chip away at big goals. As Lao Tzu said “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” I hope these tips help you take that first step or your next one! Let’s connect if you have any other thoughts to share.

Time is what we want most, but what we use worst. Years ago, I thought time management was: ↳ Making to-do lists, ↳ Planning everything on a schedule, ↳ And still not getting everything done. But I learned the hard way: It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing it right. Here are 12 game-changing strategies: (that truly transformed my productivity) 1/ Anti-To-Do List: Track what not to do (low-value tasks or habits that waste time). 2/ The Rule of Three: Instead of endless task lists, set just 3 key priorities per day. 3/ Time-Stamped Planning: Estimate time for each task, so your schedule isn’t just a wish list. 4/ Switching Tax Awareness: Switching between tasks can cost up to 40% of your productivity—minimize it. 5/ Waiting Time Hack: Use waiting in line or commuting for micro-tasks (replying to emails or listening to audiobooks). 6/ 90-Min Deep Work Cycle: Your brain works best in 90-minute focus sprints followed by breaks. 7/ Day Theming: Assign specific tasks to certain days (e.g., Mondays for planning, Fridays for networking). 8/ Set Hard Stops: Decide when work must end to prevent overworking and force efficiency. 9/ Productive Boredom: Allow quiet time for creative thinking (no phone, no music). 10/ Just Start Rule: When procrastinating, commit to just 2 minutes of a task—momentum usually follows. 11/ Multiplier Tasks: Some tasks (automating a workflow or hiring the right person) save you time forever. 12/ Manage Energy, Not Just Time: Track when you’re naturally most focused and schedule deep work. Time is the only resource you can’t get back. Manage it wisely. ♻️ Share this with your network. ☝️ For more valuable insights, follow me, Victoria Repa.