Time management is a skill that empowers every area of your life. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, yet somehow it never feels like enough. Deadlines pile up, classes demand attention, practices and jobs fill the calendar, and personal commitments press in. Before long, we find ourselves saying the same phrase over and over again: “I don’t have enough time.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve said it too. The truth is, we can’t control the number of hours in a day, but we can control how we use them. And when we begin to see time as a gift from God, we realize managing it well isn’t just about productivity.
Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days so that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
1 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
Time management, then, isn’t just about productivity. It’s about faithfulness. It’s about becoming good stewards of a gift God has entrusted to us. My hope is that by the time you finish reading this, you’ll have both practical strategies and biblical encouragement to help you manage your time wisely.
Planning Ahead
One of the first steps in managing time is planning your week. Look ahead. Think through what you have going on and write it down. That way, when unexpected things come up, as they always do, you already have a framework that helps you stay grounded.
Part of planning is learning to prioritize. Ask: Is this task urgent? Is it important? Sometimes things are urgent but not important, and those can eat up our focus. Other times, we get caught up in things that are neither urgent nor important. That’s why it’s critical to put first things first, like assignments that impact your grades or responsibilities that help you grow.
Time Blocking and Theme Days
One of the best tools you can use is a blocking schedule. This method involves breaking your day into chunks of time and dedicating those chunks to specific tasks. For example, maybe mornings are for studying, afternoons for class, and evenings for homework or group projects.
There’s a simple rule of thumb: spend two hours per week for every credit hour. That means if you’re taking a three-credit class, you should expect to spend about six hours outside of class reading, preparing, and doing assignments. When you block out your schedule, make sure you’re giving yourself that space.
Theme days can also help. For instance, you might decide that Mondays are study days, Tuesdays are research days, and Wednesdays are project-writing days. When your week has a rhythm, it’s easier to know what needs to happen and when.
Breaking Tasks Into Chunks
Big tasks can feel overwhelming. Think of writing a paper. You can’t sit down and knock it out in one sitting, not without frustration and stress. Instead, break it into smaller parts: research, reading, outlining, drafting, editing. Then, schedule each chunk.
Another effective method is the Pomodoro Technique, work for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. This keeps you moving forward without draining your energy. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish in focused 25-minute sessions.
Tools That Help
Your phone can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. On one hand, you can use timers, alarms, and focus apps to keep yourself accountable. On the other hand, the same phone can distract you for hours with TikTok or Instagram. Choose wisely. Download apps that block distractions, silence notifications, or lock your screen while you study.
Having a dedicated study space also helps. If you study in the same place regularly, your brain starts to associate that place with focus. Add noise-canceling headphones and instrumental music (without words), and you’ll create an environment that trains your brain to get to work.
Accountability
This is a tough one, but it works. Tell a roommate or friend: “I’m going to study for three hours. I’ll check in with you when I’m done.” Just knowing someone else is expecting you to follow through increases your motivation. Accountability transforms intention into action.
Blending Study and Faith
Time management isn’t just about productivity, it’s also about spiritual discipline. Pray before you study. Ask God to focus your mind, guide your thoughts, and help you use your time well.
Use the small gaps in your day, too. If you arrive to class early, pull out your flashcards and review. Set three daily goals to keep yourself focused. And don’t just keep a to-do list, keep a to-don’t list. Write down things like: don’t scroll TikTok, don’t binge Netflix. Those small boundaries protect your focus.
The Foundation of Productivity
You can’t be effective if you’re running on fumes. Sleep matters. Eating well matters. Moving your body matters. I know because I lived it, I was a student with three kids, a husband, and a full-time job. I know what it feels like to run on empty.
At a recent workshop, we talked about the importance of starting your day early. Getting up on time sets the tone for the day. Exercise is another key. Even a five-minute walk clears your mind and restores your energy. Pair that with healthy food and enough rest, and you’ll notice a significant difference in your ability to focus.
Reviewing and Adjusting
Don’t just make a plan, review it. At the end of the week, ask yourself: what worked? What didn’t? How can I improve next week?
Keep a done list alongside your to-do list. Cross things off and celebrate progress. Sometimes, I even add something I already finished just so I can cross it off, it feels that good. Reward yourself for progress. Even small rewards go a long way in keeping motivation alive.
Practical Tools for Students
- To-do lists: keep them short and manageable.
- Planners and calendars: paper or digital, use what works for you.
- Weekly time management sheets: write down priorities and deadlines.
- Life balance worksheets: track where your time goes, compare it to where you want it to go.
Professors usually list deadlines on syllabi. Transfer those into your calendar early. That way, you’re not surprised when a big project sneaks up on you.
Miracle Mornings
One student in the workshop shared that they were dragging every day because they stayed up until 12:30 AM but had to get up at 6:30. It threw off their whole day.
I shared about my son. He read a book called Miracle Mornings while in Alaska, and he came back determined to wake up at 5:00 AM every day. For him, it was life-changing. And to be honest, I couldn’t let him outdo me. So, I started waking up at 5:20 AM.
It wasn’t easy, I’m a night owl by nature. But the change transformed my days. I was more productive, more focused, and more energized. Getting up early, washing your face, brushing your teeth, getting dressed, these small steps set the tone for your entire day.
Student Voices
Workshops are best when students share what’s working for them. Here are some of the insights students shared:
“I’m going to start writing three goals every day and then review them at the end of the week.”
“I like the idea of breaking big projects into smaller tasks. I tend to take eight hours to write a paper in one sitting, but chunking it up will help reduce stress.” —Jamie
“I like the time-blocking idea. I try to fit too much into one stretch and forget to take breaks. Having structured blocks and breaks, and even short walks, will help me stay focused.” —Jace
“For me, planning out my week is the biggest takeaway. I usually take things one day at a time, but I know I need to see the bigger picture.” —Christian
These comments reflect what many of us feel: we want to do better, and with the right tools, we can.
Final Takeaways
Time management reduces stress and increases freedom. Using tools like planners, time-blocking, accountability, and prayer helps you stay consistent. And remember, you don’t have to do this alone. At Grace, our success coaches are here to help. QR codes are posted on doors and in classrooms. If you don’t know your coach, just ask. You can also email Student Success at gracechristian.edu.
So here’s the challenge: what’s one thing you’re going to change about your time management this week?
Start small. Choose one strategy. Put it into practice. Steward your time well, for your academics, for your health, and ultimately, for God’s glory.
