Balancing Learning, Coding, and Deadlines: My Journey to Mastering Time Management
Hey there, it’s Jacob Isah. If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning plates trying to balance learning new skills, meeting tight coding deadlines, and still making time for life, trust me, I’ve been there. Being a software engineer, teacher, and content creator, my days often feel like a whirlwind of priorities competing for attention. But over time, I’ve learned how to manage it all without sacrificing the quality of my work or my sanity. Here’s how I do it—and how you can too.
The Struggle is Real
Let’s be honest: juggling responsibilities in tech isn’t easy. You’re not just writing code; you’re constantly learning new frameworks, debugging complex problems, and often working against tight deadlines. On top of that, there’s the pressure to keep up with industry trends, contribute to projects, and maybe even teach others what you’ve learned. It’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed.
When I first started out, I would dive into tasks headfirst, thinking sheer effort was enough. I’d spend hours learning a new library, then realize I was behind on my actual project. Or I’d focus so much on meeting deadlines that I neglected self-improvement—only to feel stuck in the long run. Sound familiar?
The Turning Point
What changed for me was realizing that time is my most valuable resource. Every hour I spent on one thing was an hour I couldn’t spend on another. That forced me to get strategic about how I use my time. And as I refined my approach, I discovered some principles that have helped me stay productive and balanced.
Prioritize with Purpose
The first step is knowing what truly matters. Not everything on your to-do list is equally important, and trying to tackle it all at once is a recipe for stress. I’ve started using the Eisenhower Matrix—a simple framework that divides tasks into four categories:
Urgent and Important: Do these immediately.
Important but Not Urgent: Schedule these for later.
Urgent but Not Important: Delegate these if possible.
Neither Urgent nor Important: Eliminate these altogether.
For example, meeting a project deadline falls under urgent and important, while learning a new programming language might be important but not urgent. This distinction helps me focus on what truly needs my attention right now.
Set Realistic Goals
As someone passionate about technology, it’s tempting to aim for the stars—but unrealistic goals can set you up for failure. Instead, I’ve learned to set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Instead of saying, “I’ll master React this month,” I’d set a goal like, “I’ll complete a React tutorial and build a small project by the end of the month.” Breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable steps makes them less intimidating and more achievable.
Learn to Say No
This was a hard one for me. I’m naturally inclined to say yes to every opportunity—whether it’s collaborating on a project, helping a friend, or taking on additional responsibilities at work. But overcommitting only leads to burnout and half-hearted efforts.
Now, I evaluate every new commitment against my current priorities. If it doesn’t align with my goals or adds unnecessary stress, I politely decline. Saying no isn’t selfish; it’s smart.
Master the Art of Time Blocking
Time blocking has been a game-changer for me. Instead of leaving my day open-ended, I divide it into dedicated blocks of time for specific tasks. For example:
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Coding and debugging.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Learning (e.g., tutorials, reading).
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Content creation.
By assigning each task a specific time slot, I avoid the trap of multitasking and stay focused on one thing at a time. It’s amazing how much more you can accomplish when you’re fully immersed in what you’re doing.
Leverage Tools and Technology
As a tech enthusiast, I’m all about using tools to make life easier. Here are some of my favorites:
Notion: For organizing projects, tasks, and notes.
Trello: For visualizing workflows and tracking progress.
Pomodoro Timer: For maintaining focus during work sessions.
These tools not only keep me organized but also help me track how I’m spending my time—and adjust when needed.
Take Breaks, Seriously
It might sound counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually boost productivity. When you’re deep into a task, it’s easy to lose track of time and burn out. I follow the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, I take a longer 15-30 minute break.
During breaks, I step away from my screen, stretch, or take a short walk. These moments of rest recharge my energy and help me come back to work with a fresh perspective.
Embrace Lifelong Learning
One of the biggest challenges in tech is staying relevant. But instead of seeing learning as a burden, I’ve made it a habit. I set aside dedicated time each week for upskilling—whether it’s exploring a new framework, watching tutorials, or reading industry blogs.
The key is consistency. Even 30 minutes a day can add up over time and keep you ahead of the curve.
Don’t Forget Self-Care
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in work that you forget to take care of yourself. But trust me, your mind and body need rest to perform at their best. I prioritize:
Sleep: At least 7 hours a night.
Exercise: Even a 20-minute workout can do wonders.
Nutrition: Eating balanced meals to fuel my day.
Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Final Thoughts
Balancing learning, coding, and deadlines will always be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By prioritizing wisely, setting realistic goals, and making time for both work and self-care, you can achieve more without feeling overwhelmed.
I’d love to hear from you. What’s your biggest time management challenge, and how do you handle it? Let’s share tips and learn from each other in the comments below!