To Author's Page
Mastering the art of balancing your academic success, professional endeavors and personal growth while dealing with the element of uncertainty is of utmost importance to unlock your full potential. Especially for part-time students, this is a key challenge to overcome. Thus, I want to share some interesting approaches and what actually helps me navigate through my part-time Master’s in Data Analytics & Management at Frankfurt School.
When trying to overcome great workloads and organizing day-to-day activities, most tend to think about time management as in task prioritization, goal setting, and resource allocation. However, energy is key: It is rather easy to create a schedule that looks awe-inspiring – but if you lack an understanding of how your energy levels differ throughout the day, you may not be able to follow through or use the time you penned into the fullest. Consequently, it is necessary to set up a framework that allows for a combination of suitable classic time management strategies and sensible energy utilization.
For starters, you need to identify the appropriate time management approach that matches your needs, subsequently creating the foundation for your energy management strategy. Let us have a quick look at some of the most well-known time management frameworks to get you inspired:
I recommend you refrain from sinking your teeth into one approach only – use aspects that work for you in a modular way to build a strategy that is as unique as you.
Speaking from my experience, I can attest that the Eisenhower matrix reflects a concept that helps with quick decision making, while the time blocking approach combined with an agile mindset is great for weeks filled to the brim with meetings, to-dos, deadlines, and unexpected high-priority topics. While I currently do not realize the possibilities of a truly agile approach, I try to adapt the flexible and iterative mindset tied to it and project it onto my time blocking strategy
For example, a simple work week during active phases of the MDAM programme can look like this:
As you can see, I try balancing work, my Master’s programme, and my personal well-being as best as possible. The time blocking approach enables me to adapt my schedule to my energy level, granting me the advantage of feeling less constrained in my daily life than I would following a rigid and static plan.
There is no magic formula to create a perfect plan that always matches your energy levels while allowing you to realize any and every idea you have on your mind. We do not live in a utopia.
Sometimes, your energy level is low, yet you have no way of avoiding having to power through. This is the case for exam seasons, high-priority projects at work or even for times in which you notice that you have swept your mental and physical health under the rug for too long.
I strongly urge you to take care of yourself – particularly in such intensive phases.
Preserving your physical and mental health is indispensable to reach and sustain your desired level of performance. Combined with a sensible time and energy management strategy, you can unlock next-level resilience in challenging times while avoiding negative long-term effects that may hinder you in your continuous quest for professional, academic, and personal excellence.
Frankfurt School gGmbH
Adickesallee 32-34
60322 Frankfurt am Main
