Between classes, assignments, part-time work, and personal responsibilities, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But with the right time management strategies, you can take control of your schedule, reduce stress, and make steady progress toward your goals…one day at a time.

At GREAT, we know that many students in the Six Nations community are juggling multiple priorities. Whether you’re in school full-time, balancing part-time work, or on the job hunt, building strong time management habits can help you stay balanced and confident on your path to success.

Here are our top five tips to help you manage your time (and a bonus one we think is especially important):

1. Set Clear Priorities

Not every task carries the same weight. Start each week by identifying what truly matters, like upcoming deadlines, important shifts, or major projects. Focus first on the things that have the biggest impact or firm deadlines, then fit in secondary tasks around them.

A helpful approach is to think in three layers: the “must-dos” (like work shifts or exams), the “should-dos” (study sessions, errands), and the “could-dos” (extra reading or optional events). When you direct your time and energy toward what matters most, you’ll spend less time reacting to stress and more time staying ahead of it.

2. Create a Schedule You’ll Actually Follow

Time management isn’t about filling every hour. It’s about planning realistically. Choose a system that works for you, whether it’s a notebook planner, a wall calendar, or an app like Google Calendar. Start by blocking off your fixed commitments, such as classes and work shifts, then schedule study periods and breaks around them.

Try grouping similar tasks together, like doing all your readings in one sitting or setting aside time to reply to messages at once. It also helps to leave a little “buffer time” between activities. Not every minute needs to be planned. When your schedule feels flexible and manageable, you’re far more likely to stick to it.

3. Break Big Goals into Smaller Steps

Large projects can feel overwhelming until you break them down into smaller pieces. Instead of “finish research paper,” try setting steps like “find sources,” “write outline,” and “edit final copy.” Every step you complete is a win and helps you stay motivated.

The SMART method (setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) can help keep things realistic. When your goals are clear and manageable, you’ll find it easier to make consistent progress.

4. Try Productivity Tools That Work for You

Different techniques work for different people. Some students find the Pomodoro method helpful. Try working for 25 minutes, then taking a short break to recharge. Others prefer time-blocking, where you dedicate specific chunks of the day to focused work.

Digital task apps like Todoist, Notion, or Trello can help you visualize what needs to get done, but even simple methods like sticky notes or colour-coded folders can be just as effective. The key is finding a system that feels natural, not forced.

5. Take Care of Yourself

Managing your time also means protecting your energy. Sleep, nutrition, and rest all play a big role in how focused and productive you can be. Aim for enough sleep each night, eat regular balanced meals, and make time for friends, family, or activities that help you unwind.

When you take care of your body and mind, you’ll find it easier to manage your workload and stay motivated. Even on the busiest days.

BONUS: Ask for Support When You Need It

Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to someone who can help: a teacher, counsellor, or one of our team members at GREAT. We’re here to support you with resources, guidance, and training opportunities to help you succeed both in school and at work.

Good time management takes practice, but every small improvement adds up. Start by trying one or two of these hacks this week and notice how your confidence grows.

When you’re ready to take your goals further, whether that means finding the right training, exploring new job opportunities, or building your skills, GREAT is here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s build your success story together. Contact us today to get started!