Regardless of where you are in your life: student, parent, employee, or some combination of the three, you have without a doubt run into the constraint we all have to learn to work within—time! Time seems like it is never on our side. Each year when students mention what they struggle with most as a student, time management always rises to the top.  

Digital Calendar

There are many opinions about best managing your time, but the first step almost always begins with a calendar. As a member of the ChattState community, you have access to the Microsoft 365 suite of productivity tools, including the Outlook calendar. Sign in with your Chattanooga State email (yourid@my.chattanoogastate.edu (“yourid” is the id you sign into TigerWeb with)). Outlook provides a host of tools, including your official school email (this is different than your eLearn email) and a calendar (check out this quick tutorial on how to use the calendar). 

Paper Calendar

Some people enjoy using a paper calendar, and they can be helpful for looking at a month at a time, a week, or even a day. Some people argue that writing information down as opposed to typing it help one to better remember it. (Bergland, 2021)

Ultimately, the best type of calendar is the calendar you use. There is no right or wrong type of calendar to use, but it's important to have some way to put information down.

The calendar is an excellent place to put items that are due at a particular time: projects, events you want to attend, or even your class schedule. I often hear people say, “If it’s not on my calendar, it’s not happening!” Items that are on your calendar don’t take up space in your brain, allowing you to focus on the tasks at hand.  

To get the most benefit from a calendar, review it often. Be sure to check out what’s happening for the week on Sunday evening or Monday morning. Then, check your calendar every morning (or the night before) to be prepared for the day.  

Whether for classes, work, or life, using a calendar is the first step to helping you manage your time and helping you meet your goals. 

Meet Your Goals at ChattState

• Set Up a Calendar
• Set SMART Goals
• Have a Growth Mindset
• Set Breaks and Self-Care
• Take Good Notes

Bergland, C. (2021, March 19). 4 Reasons Writing Things Down On Paper Still Reigns Supreme. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/202103/4-reason...