Use a journal or day book to keep track of all your activities for one week. Write down all the tasks -- workplace, home and school -- that you perform. Include leisure activities such as watching television, participating in sports and meeting with friends. Note the number of hours you sleep each night.
Reflect on your long- and short-term goals. Are your daily activities contributing to these goals? Do you feel energized by your daily routine? Are you getting enough sleep? If not, make adjustments to your schedule. Identify the major time wasters in your life and develop strategies to avoid or eliminate them. You may need to cut back on watching television, surfing the Internet or other leisure activities.
Purchase a daily planner. Each evening, create a tentative schedule for the next day. Plan blocks of time for school and work commitments and sleep. Designate appropriate amounts of time for meals, hobbies and social interactions. Keep the planner with you at all times and make notes regarding the time allotments. At the end of the week, review your notes and decide on a more permanent schedule.
Create an appropriate reward system. For example, if you stick to the schedule for one week, you can treat yourself to a dinner at your favorite restaurant. After one month of effective time management, buy yourself a pair of shoes or an electronic gadget.
Review and update your planner on a regular basis. Do not rigidly adhere to your schedule. Make adjustments during exam week or peak work periods. Be flexible during personal and family crises. When necessary, reschedule appointments and free up blocks of time to deal with unexpected situations.