Time Management

In This Chapter You Will 1.Discuss the relationship among time management, your value system, and self-discipline. 2.Beat procrastination and get more done. 3.Evaluate how you spend your time and develop a “to do” list based on your findings. 4.Understand the relationship between poor time management and stress. 5.Identify the major stressors in your life.

Which quote do you agree with most? Be ready to discuss. A.“Procrastination is opportunity’s natural assassin.” —Victor Kiam B.“ Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.” —Thomas Edison C.“There is always just enough time to do what needs to be done.” —David Reynolds D.“I think you will find that if you arrange things so that you find time to relax and ‘do nothing,’ you will get more done and have more fun doing it.” — Alan Lakein

One of the first things that college students learn is that there is never enough time in the day. How can you keep yourself sane when you're overloaded with classes, assignments, testing, and a life? Time management requires identifying your obligations, carefully considering their importance, and making choices about how to use your time.

Time Management Types The Circler – same patterns, same results The Doodler – no attention to important details The Squanderer – wasting too much time The Beggar – frustrated and expecting extra time The Planner – too much time spent planning The Hun – waiting, then being inconsiderate The Passivist – “no reason to even try ” Pg. 132

Causes of Procrastination Superhuman expectations Fear of not knowing how to complete task Lack of internal motivation Fear of failing No real plan for completing task Task is considered unpleasant or uninteresting Laziness or apathy Distractions or lack of focus Choosing “fun” before responsibility Waiting for the “right” mood Pg.

In Class Activities Worst Case Scenario Activity

How Do You Spend Your Time? Spend one week recording your activities pg. 143 Look for distractions, interruptions Friends or family? Technology? Being unorganized? Playing before work? Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Robert M. Sherfield & Patricia G. Moody, Cornerstone: Creating Success Through Positive Change, 6th Edition, Chapter 6, Slide 10

Plan and Organize your Life Divide your daily tasks into three lists: Must do (first priority) Need to do Would like to do Rank items within each list Now you have a plan! Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Robert M. Sherfield & Patricia G. Moody, Cornerstone: Creating Success Through Positive Change, 6th Edition, Chapter 6, Slide 11

Ways to Simplify Your Life Identify what matters to you Escape from technology daily Learn to delegate Record how you spend your time Spend money to save time De-clutter and organize Live in the moment Learn to give thanks and to do nothing Pg. 134

Stress Stress – mental and physical toll on your body as a result of everyday life Stress is inevitable Two types: Eustress: good stress (can motivate you) Distress: bad stress (out of hand) Pg. 148 –Test Your Stress

Seven Tips for Effective Time Management Supplemental Information (Not available in the Cornerstone textbook)

1. Be Organized Use time saving tools: appointment calendars, "to do" lists, , answering machines, file folders, etc. Have an organized workplace (don't waste time constantly looking for your work). Use your appointment calendar for everything, including listing study time. Use "to do" lists for both long-term and for each day/week.

2. Plan Ahead (Schedule it and it will happen!) Determine how long your tasks will take (do this before agreeing to take on a task!) Consider whether any activities can be combined. Determine if big tasks can be broken down into smaller tasks that may be easier to schedule (such as studying for exams and visiting the library as part of an assignment to write a term paper).

Create a Schedule  Use a planner  Plan ahead  Organize the due dates from all of your classes and place them on one calendar  Remember to create “holes” in your schedule to allow for the unexpected!

3. Prioritize Your Tasks Use an A-B-C rating system for items on your "to do" lists with A items being highest priority. Set goals for both the short term and long term as to what you want to accomplish. Look at all of your "to do"s to gauge the time requirement and whether additional resources will be needed to accomplish them (if yes, schedule time to obtain those resources). Don't postpone the small tasks (a sense of accomplishment is good and overlooked small tasks can become larger tasks.)

To Do Lists 1.Write down all of the tasks to be completed. 2.Determine how long it will take to complete each task. 3.Assign each task a number or letter based on priority. 4.Cross off as you go. 5.Evaluate uncompleted tasks.

4. Avoid Overload Include time for rest, relaxation, sleep, eating, exercise, and socializing in your schedule. Take short breaks during study and work periods. Don't put everything off until the last minute (for example, don't cram for exams). Learn to say "no" when appropriate and to negotiate better deadlines when appropriate.

5. Practice Effective Study Techniques Have an appropriate study environment. Split large tasks into more manageable tasks. Read for comprehension, rather than just to get to the end of the chapter. Be prepared to ask questions as they come up during study, rather than waiting until just before an exam. Do the most difficult work first, perhaps breaking it up with some easier tasks. Don't wait until the last minute to complete your projects. Read the syllabus as soon as you get it and note all due dates (and "milestone" times) on your calendar. Be a model student! (be attentive and participative in class, and punctual, prepared, and eager to learn)

6. Be Able to be Flexible The unexpected happens (sickness, car troubles, etc.); you need to be able to fit it into your schedule. Know how to rearrange your schedule when necessary (so it doesn't manage you - you manage it). Know who to ask for help when needed.

7. Have a Vision (why are you doing all of this?) Don't forget the "big picture" - why are you doing the task - is it important to your long-term personal goals? Have and follow a personal mission statement (personal and career). (Are your activities ultimately helping you achieve your goals?) Know what is important to you. (What do you value most?) Have a positive attitude!

Chapter Reflections 1.What do your values have to do with time management? 2.Where are you spending most of your time? 3.What are some causes of procrastination? 4.How can you simplify your life? 5.How should you construct a to do list? 6.What are the two types of stress? Explain. Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Robert M. Sherfield & Patricia G. Moody, Cornerstone: Creating Success Through Positive Change, 6th Edition, Chapter 4, Slide 16