Time management has emerged as a crucial aspect of my experience in this MBA program, particularly as I juggle the demands of a full-time job alongside academic pursuits. My admiration is reserved for those who have opted to resign from their professional roles and other engagements to dedicate themselves entirely to the MBA journey; a decision I, for various reasons, find myself unable to emulate.
Though I cannot assert that I have mastered time management, I have adopted several principles to ensure that the program’s demands remain manageable. Among these principles is the practice of waking up early. In the early hours, I meditate to foster the right mindset, recite affirmations, and proceed directly to the gym. This routine, lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour, invigorates me and establishes the necessary mental and physical foundation to commence my day.
Recognizing the importance of distinguishing between important tasks and those that are merely urgent has been pivotal. This principle advocates focusing on activities that contribute to personal and professional goals, ensuring that they are completed with ample time to prevent them from becoming urgent. Upon arriving at work, I prioritize tasks on my desk with a keen awareness of their importance, adhering to this principle to enhance efficiency.
A recent addition to my time management strategy involves reserving the afternoon, specifically after 3 pm, for MBA-related activities. Despite the demands of my busy role at work, I make it a point to tackle the important tasks before my allocated time for MBA-related activities kicks in. This allows me to fully concentrate on my MBA commitments, whether it’s completing pending assignments or gearing up for upcoming classes. It’s all about maximizing my involvement and staying engaged.
In my quest to master effective time management, I’m reshaping my schedule to better suit the program’s demands. While it’s not a walk in the park, I’m dedicated to meticulously planning my calendar to minimize any disruptions. Take, for instance, an upcoming weekend clash between my classes and a colleague’s wedding commitment I made ages ago before I even thought about pursuing an MBA. The internal debate intensifies as I have already bought and sowed a well-crafted Agbada outfit with intricate stone embroidery. I paid almost N50,000 for the outfit o. Such dilemmas are inherent to the journey, but as the adage goes, “We move.”
The decision regarding attendance at the wedding will be disclosed in my subsequent post. These kinds of decisions highlight the intricate balancing act needed to handle conflicting priorities.
Understanding the 3 Cs of Decision-Making – Conflicts, Consideration, and Closure