TIME MANAGEMENT

Controlling Your Time

Time Management Involves

• Knowing what your goals are• Deciding what your priorities are• Anticipating future needs and

possible changes• Controlling your life by controlling

your time• Making a commitment to being

punctual• Not procrastinating• Carrying out your plans

5 Time Management Tips

1. Prioritize – What are your goals?– Do important things first.– Be realistic

2. Make a To-Do List– List each task and prioritize.– Attach due dates.– Review and cross off

activities.

5 Time Management Tips

3. Use Organizers– Something that works for you

• Calendars, daytimers, datebooks, electronic organizers, etc.

– Cost • Range in money.

5 Time Management Tips

4. Be Flexible– Plan for interruptions.– Don’t plan too much– Plan to take breaks

5. Use Down Time

Where and When to Study

• Use a regular study area• Study where you’ll be alert• Use a library• Study difficult subjects first• Be aware of your best time of day• Use waiting time

Sticking to a schedule

• provides greater control.

• encourages relaxation• saves time• provides freedom• increases flexibility

Classes

Sleeping

Eating

Work Schedule

Strategies for Scheduling

Schedule fixed blocks of time first

Time for errands

Flexibility

Realistic goals

Time for fun

Strategies for Scheduling

Schedule for real life

Study 2 hours for each hour in class

Plan for the unplanned

Set clear start and stop times

Avoid marathon study sessions

Strategies for Scheduling

Schedule study time wisely

Standard time schedules Dividing time in to blocks

•Makes tasks more manageable

•Helps you work at peak efficiency

Tips for time blocks

• Don’t waste big blocks• Study during prime time• Study before recitation classes

and after lecture classes• Don’t let details tie your hands• Include nonacademic activities

Task-based master schedule

• A series of long term goals divided into manageable sub-goals

Use a task-based schedule when…

•Your days are unpredictable•Your free time is fluid

The three-part scheduling plan

1. The master schedule2. The weekly schedule3. The daily schedule

Your Semester Master Calendar Begin with blocking all class and

lab times. Block all other set time

obligations. Work Church Club/Organization Meetings

Highlight all exams and project due dates.

Identify routine homework days. Work backwards from exams and

papers and map out study/writing time.

Include regular breaks and leisure activities.

2005

Weekly Plan• Spend just 30 minutes mapping out the

upcoming week.• Ask yourself these questions about the

week:– What do I expect to accomplish?– What will I have to do to reach these

goals?– What tasks are more important than

others?– How much time will each activity take?– When will I do each activity?– How flexible do I have to be to allow for

unexpected things?

Assignment-oriented weekly

schedule• used for shorter

assignments that span a week or less

Using a Daily Planner

• Complete a term assignment preview. • Use a “week at a glance” organizer. • Enter in due dates and social events

as soon as you can.• Review your calendar daily for the

current week and upcoming week. • It just takes a moment to review your

calendar and it can help relieve stress.

Daily task-based schedule

• basically a to-do list

REVISE and PREVIEW

• Immediately note all changes. Exam/Paper due date revisions

Meeting additions/cancellations Work schedule changes Upcoming visitors

• Preview the upcoming week making any adjustments.

• Preview each day to further specify plans.

Two main ways to control time

• Saving it• Allocating it with schedules

Finding “hidden” time• Scraps of time should not be

overlooked.

Ways to reclaim “hidden” time

• Carry pocket work• Use your mind when it’s free• Record study information• Employ spare-time thinking

Changing your time habits

• Obey your alarm clock• Limit e-mail and Internet

time• Take “time out”• Listen to your body• Keep a notepad handy

7 Ways to Stop Procrastination

• Observe your procrastination• Set a start date & deadline• Look for self-defeating beliefs• Just get started.• Start with something easy• Let feelings follow action• Choose to work under pressure

You’ve Got the Time!

• You have enough time• Time is an equal opportunity resource:

everyone gets 168 hours per week• Time is elusive and easy to ignore• Time is a non-renewable resource• Time seems to pass at varying speeds• And be ready for success