What do you do if you're struggling to balance your time while learning new skills?

Think about managing your energy instead of your time. For example if your goal is to read 10 pages a day and you sit down after a busy day when your head is running through a million thoughts, it's going to take you a long time to read. You're too distracted and tired. But if you have high energy in the morning and prioritise reading the 10 pages first thing, then you're likely to complete reading within a very short time. This is because you have a clearer mind and are more alert. When it comes to studying, think about how you can clear your mind and where you have the most energy to focus.

Struggling to balance your time? Start by prioritizing your learning objectives and breaking them down into manageable tasks. Allocate dedicated time slots for learning in your schedule and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. Eliminate distractions and create a conducive learning environment to maximize focus and productivity. Consider leveraging technology and online resources to make learning more accessible and flexible. Delegate tasks or seek support from colleagues or mentors to free up time for learning. Remember, consistency is key – even small, regular efforts can lead to significant progress over time. Stay committed, stay organized, and keep pushing forward towards your learning goals. You got this!

Instead of prioritizing tasks, consider prioritizing how you spend your energy. Time is impacted by our level of stress and heart rate. If we learn to manage our energy we can unlock the time necessary to easily accomplish much more. We can only learn and grow new neural pathways in our brains when we are in coherence. If our body is stressed it won’t be focused on learning and growing making it feel like a waste of time to do it. If instead we stay balanced we will be able to learn and have it fuel our other responsibilities.

First, decide what's most important and urgent. Set aside specific times just for learning new skills. Break down your learning goals into smaller steps to make them easier to manage. Try using techniques like setting timers or taking short breaks to help you stay focused. If you need help, ask mentors or join online groups for support.

Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency, allocating dedicated time slots for skill development. Break down learning goals into manageable tasks. Utilize the Pomodoro technique—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break—to maintain focus and prevent burnout. Seek support from mentors or online communities for guidance and accountability in managing your time effectively.

? Clearly define your learning goals and the skills you wish to acquire ? Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable milestones ? Set realistic timelines and deadlines for each milestone, considering your existing commitments ? Having clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the learning process

Big, vague goals are overwhelming. Instead, I set SMART goals for my learning – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Maybe I want to learn a new project management tool by watching 2 tutorials a week for a month. This focused approach keeps me motivated and on track.

Balancing various roles - a Municipal Incubator Managing Director, a Tourism High School Teacher, a PhD student, and volunteer work - it's a tug-of-war. As Nádia Leit?o, I've learned how to strategize and navigate this whirlwind efficiently. My day starts with prioritizing tasks and dedicating specific time slots to each. Mornings are for incubator duties, afternoons split between teaching and volunteering, evenings are study time. Tech-tools help manage tasks. Weekend is for self-improvement and unwinding. The key is knowing how to juggle without dropping any balls.

? Implement time management strategies to maximize productivity and efficiency ? Utilize tools like calendars, to-do lists, and productivity apps to organize your schedule ? Practice techniques like the Pomodoro technique or time-blocking to minimize distractions ? Batch similar tasks together to create dedicated learning blocks in your schedule

Time management is key. I leverage productivity tools, to-do lists, and even the Pomodoro Technique (short bursts of focused work with scheduled breaks) to squeeze the most out of every minute. Saying "no" to additional tasks that don't align with my priorities helps me ring-fence that learning time.

Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable learning objectives that align with your interests, needs, and long-term aspirations. Having clear goals will keep you focused and motivated throughout the learning process. Break it Down: Break down complex subjects or skills into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on mastering one concept or skill at a time before moving on to the next, building a solid foundation of understanding. Use Active Learning Techniques: Engage actively with the material by asking questions, summarizing key points, and applying what you've learned through practice exercises or real-world scenarios. Active learning promotes deeper understanding and retention of information.

Micromanaging every learning opportunity is a recipe for burnout. I find efficient learning methods – bite-sized online courses, podcasts during my commute, or audiobooks while doing mindless tasks. This way, I'm constantly learning without sacrificing my core responsibilities.

? Explore various learning methods and identify the ones that work best for you ? Leverage online courses, podcasts, or audiobooks to learn while multitasking ? Seek out resources that offer concise, high-quality information to optimize your learning time ? Collaborate with others or join study groups to facilitate knowledge sharing and accountability

Mentorship: Find a mentor or coach who has expertise in the subject you're learning. A mentor can provide guidance, share insights, and offer encouragement throughout your learning journey. Peer Learning: Connect with peers who are also learning similar skills or subjects. Participate in study groups, online forums, or community meetups where you can share resources, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects. Online Communities: Join online communities, forums, or social media groups related to your field of interest. These platforms provide opportunities to ask questions, seek advice, and connect with experienced professionals or enthusiasts. Professional Networks: Tap into your professional network for support and guidance.

? Don't hesitate to seek support from your professional network, mentors, or coaches ? Discuss your time management challenges and seek advice on effective strategies ? Consider delegating or outsourcing non-essential tasks to free up time for learning ? Surround yourself with individuals who encourage and support your personal growth

? Periodically review your progress and assess the effectiveness of your time management strategies ? Celebrate small wins and acknowledge the skills you've acquired ? Identify areas where you may need to adjust your approach or seek additional support ? Reflecting regularly will help you stay motivated and make necessary adjustments for continued success

The reality of life means you’ll never live out an ‘ideal week’. Review your calendar and your list of priorities weekly. I like to do this on a Sunday night, or you might do it on Monday morning. Transform your to-do list into calendar appointments, and move things around if needed. For example, I might usually exercise mid-morning but on Tuesday this coming week I have a client meeting – looking at this ahead of time means that I can move my exercise block to an earlier slot, so that it still gets done. If you need an exception now and then that’s fine, and if you find that something consistently isn’t working for you then change it! The key is to be intentional and proactive and not just react to what’s being thrown at you.

When struggling to balance time while learning new skills, I reassess my schedule. I identify non-priority tasks and delegate or eliminate them, freeing up time. I also use time-management techniques, like the Pomodoro, to break learning into manageable sessions. I find setting achievable goals crucial in making continuous progress without overwhelm. Embracing the journey rather than rushing towards the destination is my mantra. It's a delicate balancing act, but with patience, discipline, and persistence, it becomes manageable. Always remember, it's not the speed, but the direction that matters.

If this is a new skill you are learning on the job, talk to your manager about the learning curve. They can offer you insight into their expectations of how long it can take to learn this new task and when you should seek assistance when you are stumbling. This is one of the things most newer employees struggle with doing, but it can be a night and day difference. Managers often don't want you struggling with a new skill for a long time and getting clarity with them on how long you should try on your own before raising your hand to get supported in learning will have you both on the same team.