Manage Your Time to Dominate Your Future

It’s amazing how much time we can “make” in order to complete our laundry list of daily/weekly tasks. With a bit of focus, organization and determination, anything is possible. I didn’t utilize those qualities quite as efficiently in my early undergrad years, compared to now as a full-time post baccalaureate student. Currently, my time and focus must be split between being a mother, wife, full time student, massage therapist and a physical therapy technician. It’s an interminable juggling act, but one that I have become more proficient at over the years. I’m hopeful this newfound mindset and time management will also serve me well to dominate as a future PT student.

1. Know your why

This is statement you may have heard a few times throughout your Pre-PT journey. It relates to more than knowing why you want to become a physical therapist. It also refers to knowing why you’re grinding in every course, in your observation hours, when volunteering and networking. It keeps you focused on your goals and ambitions. Without a why, you won’t know how to efficiently manage your time.

2. Make it a team effort

Whether you are single or taken, there are people in your life that occupy your time and support your endeavors. As such, you should explain the significance of your tasks, courses and deadlines to them. If your team is aware of your deadlines and responsibilities, it will minimize any pressure to take part in activities which will be a distraction. Additionally, they can ensure you obtain the time and solitude needed to complete your task(s). My husband ensures that I’m doing what I said I’m supposed be doing, at the time(s) I say I should be doing it. Meaning that, yes, I have been busted scrolling through Facebook or Instagram when I should have been making notecards for my Kinesiology final. Good looking out, boo. 

3. Practice self-care

The daily Pre-PT grind can be mentally, emotionally and physically taxing. So, make sure things aren’t all work and no play. I make every effort to have the weekends be free of studying, this is time to be spent with family, friends or quiet time for myself. This may include playtime with my daughter, taking a hike up Amicalola Falls, doing some meditating with rejuvenating stretches or just enjoying a nice nap. Afterwards, my mind is calmed, my body is relaxed, I’m in a good mood and ready to approach my studies with a positive attitude. 

4. Prioritize your priorities

While my family will always be my top priority, unfortunately, I can’t always take time to build pillow forts with my daughter at the time that she asks. Or, go to watch the newest Marvel movie with my husband on opening night. I have to ask myself a few questions, “how important is this specific request or activity?”; “does this need to be done right now and can someone else fill in for the time being?”; “which task/assignment is due first and how much effort will it take to complete it?”; “will 30 minutes or an hour of free time put me further behind on reaching my deadline?” After asking myself these questions, I can prioritize my priorities prior to making plans. Now say that 10 times fast!  

5. Become a professional organizer

Without organization, setting priorities will be for naught. I love my apps. I utilize my iPhone calendar and myHomework app daily. And with the many things I must handle at home, for work and in school, receiving notifications about upcoming events guarantees I stay ahead of the game. 

6. The best laid plans don’t always get laid the way you plan

 Life happens. Sickness and injuries occur. Things slip our mind or a priority level changes. In such predicaments, don’t panic. As Pre-PT students we must be adaptable, learn to think on our feet and most importantly, ask for help when needed. This was an ultimate test for me when I was hospitalized due to a car accident, in the middle of spring semester. Fortunately, it happened right before spring break and I had a week to process my thoughts, emotions and multiple fractures. Accommodations were made with friends, family and strangers to help me manage home life, get to physical therapy appointments, and get me back and forth to class. I instinctively utilized the above-mentioned tips and completed the semester with all A’s and was placed on the Dean’s List!

While this list of ways to promote time management skills as a Pre-PT student is far from comprehensive, it gives behaviors to build and sustain good habits, which will be a foundation for winning as a future PT student. To climb the ladder of success to become a Student PT All Star, you must know your “why” in order to optimize your time wisely. Recruit your “A Team” and make sure everyone’s role supports your goals. Fight off burnout, with selfcare for your overall wellness. Prioritize and organize to keep yourself accountable for future tasks and stay ahead of deadlines. And remember, no plan is foolproof, so challenge yourself to quickly adapt and finish the task at hand. 

Practice managing your time now, in order to dominate your future. 

-Dawnette Waters 

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