Time Management

Or How To Do Ten Things At Once

Do you ever feel like you're doing too many things? Not enough time to study AND Practice? Since adding more hours to the day is not an option you need to do something. What you need to do is manage your time. That means using your time more efficiently (like a budget, only with time instead of money).

Here are some times to start managing your time:

• First try practicing "better" -- this means practicing for shorter amounts, but practicing correctly (vs. practicing so-so or at half power, or not practicing the tings you need to practice) if you feel that you're having a "off" day, stop and take a break, counter-productive practicing can waste time and lead to bad habits.
• Try to schedule your time -- really! Write down when you will practice/study/relax etc with times and try to stick to it!
• Can I stress enough that it’s all about your ROUTINE, write it down!
• Make a "to-do" list of everything you need to do. Cross off things you've already done.
• Prioritize your "to-do" list in order of importance, like writing that paper that's due tomorrow.
• Dance is important, but school is too, make sure you make time to study. Find a time that works for you (before school, after school, after dinner) and STICK TO IT!
• Try to do assignments as soon as they're assigned (instead of procrastinating) and if you study a little every day (and keep up on the reading) you won't need to study so much right before an exam.
• Try not to cut out all "fun stuff" -- that's important too. Take a little time to talk to friends on the phone, read a good book, or do something that you like to do.
• Get rid of "time wasters" like -- surfing the net (for school work is ok, e-mail is ok too), "chatting" or the Instant Messenger, watching T.V. just because it is on or there, talking on the phone (it's good to talk to your best friend on the phone, but if you talk to her for a 1/2 hr instead of an hour you've just created 1/2 of study time)
• Try to "multi-task" -- go over your dances in your head (or quiz yourself) when riding in the car, bring your books to dance class and study when you're not dancing, study during commercials, stretch while watching TV or talking on the phone (works for room cleaning too)

  It can be hard to balance dance and school (try adding a job), but if you use your time wisely you can make it happen!

  Good Luck and Happy Dancing