Time Management

Srivanth Parsi, Parliamentarian

Hello Illinois FBLA!

As the fall season begins and the school year unfolds, it’s easy to feel pulled in every direction: between academics, FBLA, sports, jobs, and spending time with family and friends. Finding balance isn’t always simple, which is where time management comes in. Mastering the skill of time management now will not only reduce stress but also set you up for success in college, careers, and beyond.

Here are a few strategies to keep your schedule under control this season:
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1. Limit Distractions
Phones and social media are the biggest time-stealers. Try silencing notifications or using “do not disturb” periods when you need to focus. Even one hour of fully focused work is worth more than three hours of half-distracted work.

2. Prioritize with Purpose
Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on what matters most today. Identify a couple of tasks that will have the biggest impact, and start there. This helps you finish the essentials and reduces the pressure of an endless to-do list.

3. Plan Ahead, Not Just for Today
Daily planning is important, but looking at your week as a whole can prevent last-minute stress. Say you have an FBLA deadline Friday and have a test on Thursday, you should try to map out smaller chunks of work earlier in the week so everything gets done on time.

4. Embrace Your Tools
Whether you like a pocket planner, Google Calendar, or even sticky notes, the key is consistency. Write things down, set reminders, and give each task a time slot. Planning keeps you accountable and clears space in your mind for more creativity.

5. Don’t Forget About Yourself
Time management isn’t about using every second of the day, it’s also about balance. It is okay to say no to extra commitments to focus your energy on more important things. Make sure to sleep well, exercise, and do your hobbies while finishing your work on time. Remember, resting is also considered being productive.

Through FBLA, every project, competition, and leadership opportunity is a chance to sharpen your time management skills. Habits like planning ahead, balancing commitments, and staying disciplined will serve you long after high school.
As you continue the year, remember that managing your time well isn’t only about staying organized, it’s also about giving yourself the freedom to enjoy the journey. Feel free to reach out to any of the state officers with any questions!

​- Srivanth Parsi, Parliamentarian