by Inman Hebert
As busy students, we navigate rehearsals, classes, assignments, projects, work, clubs, extracurricular pursuits, and other obligations. Because time is a finite resource, many of us struggle to find time to practice. Luckily, building good time management habits can be learned, and understanding the tools and strategies to manage our time consciously reduces stress, increases productivity, and prioritizes our activities.
To begin this process, we must evaluate how we spend our time. Examine commitments to determine if they align with priorities and interests. Identify time spent browsing social media, chatting, playing video games, and watching streaming services or live sports. Think about breaks between classes. This time accumulates throughout the day, detracting from productivity. In scrutinizing time management, we must visualize our future and examine whether it matches our intention.
To begin improving time management, leverage technology by creating a planner. Enter all classes, tests, deadlines, assignments, appointments, rehearsals, performances, and other time commitments. On this planner, try to schedule practice times. Too often, with busy schedules, it is easy to believe that we will practice music when we get around to it; however, without scheduling practice time, music loses priority in our lives. Do not wait until you are in the mood to practice, because motivation follows action.
While planners help us visualize our obligations, we must also understand what is necessary for completion. We underestimate the time required to complete work. Break longer-term projects into smaller tasks and set incremental deadlines. Try to create a realistic timeline but build in a buffer. Then, in planning ahead at the end of each day, build in accountability. Each weekend, reflect on the past week and prepare for the next week and month. The more routine, the less energy is expended thinking about when and what will be accomplished. Through this process, we can break up long-term practice goals, such as learning concertos or improving aspects of technique.
Using a planner effectively can reduce procrastination; however, inevitably, when we procrastinate, identifying the emotions behind the action can help us move forward. Is there insecurity, self-doubt, or anxiety about a task? If so, starting with a smaller measure of progress can make it more achievable. Is procrastination about infinite choices? Learning to say no sometimes to social invitations can be challenging, but setting boundaries with ourselves and with others helps us focus on our priorities.
Within our allotted practice time, we must also concentrate on one task at a time and stay in the present moment. Multitasking is a myth, so understand the costs of distraction. When switching between tasks, even briefly, for example, to respond to a text, the brain has to refocus and may take over twenty minutes to return fully to the previous activity. Eliminate distractions. Even having the phone within reach can reduce productivity, as willpower must be exerted to resist reaching for it. Our standards for practice assume that the time spent practicing music will be focused and deliberate. In addition to distractions, our sleep schedules can also affect our focus. Getting a reasonable amount of sleep can improve our focus and productivity.
Our commitments must not exceed our capacity to practice music and for self-care. By exercising better time management, we can maximize our available time, and this creates space for fun and balance in our lives, setting us up for success in both the present and the future.
Inman Hebert is a freshman music major at the University of Alabama and a member of the IHS Student Advisory Council.
