UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Time Management UCD Access & Lifelong Learning

Learning Outcomes Setting Goals Schedules SMART Goals Long term & short term Schedules Weekly Planners Semester Planners

Time Management Self Assessment

Setting SMART Goals Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time-bound

Lifetick Web App

Planning and predicting completion Using a "To Do" list Daily/Weekly Planner Long Term Planner Assessment Schedule

Weekly Time Table and To-Do List

Assessment Schedule

Google Calendar Track your Deadlines with Google Calendar Web App

Effective study schedule Allow sufficient time for sleep, a well-balanced diet, and leisure activities. Prioritise assignments and other urgent tasks. Prepare for discussion classes beforehand. Schedule time to go over lecture material on the same day.

Effective Time Management Monitor your time – make sure you wear a watch. Using your phone as a watch/clock can lead to distraction/procrastination. Reflect on how you spend your time. Be aware of when you are wasting your time and when you are productive.

Common difficulties Perfectionism Procrastination

Are you a perfectionist? You are never good enough, whatever you accomplish You can’t complete work or projects, waiting to get them just right You must always give 100% or else be mediocre or a failure

What is perfectionism? Self-defeating thoughts and behaviours associated with high ideals, not realistic goals. Often mistakenly seen as desirable or even necessary for success. Recent studies show that perfectionist attitudes actually interfere with success. The desire to be perfect can deny you a sense of satisfaction and cause you to achieve far less than people with more realistic goals.

Causes of perfectionism You may have learned early in life that you were mainly valued for your achievements. You value yourself on the basis of other people's approval. Your self-esteem is based primarily on external standards. You are vulnerable and sensitive to the opinions and criticism of others. To protect yourself you decide that being perfect is the only defence.

Negative thoughts and feelings • Fear of failure. • Fear of making mistakes. • Fear of disapproval. • All-or-nothing thinking. • Over-emphasis on ‘should’, ‘must’. • Never being good enough.

How is it maintained? Current triggers Negative predictions – ‘I won’t do it well’ Unhelpful behaviours, eg avoidance of writing, constant checking Confirming negative beliefs Self Critical thoughts – ‘I’ve failed again’

4 common myths with perfectionism You can’t succeed without it It gets you the best results It enables you to overcome obstacles It helps you achieve and please others

What can I do about it? Realize that perfectionism is undesirable Perfection is an illusion that is unattainable. Challenge self-defeating thoughts and behaviours that fuel perfectionism. Cost benefit analysis of keeping high standards

Strategies to move forward Set goals realistic, reachable, sequential Experiment with standards for success Try for 80% or even 60% Focus on the process not the end result Evaluate success in terms of what you accomplished and what you enjoyed Celebrate and learn from mistakes

Common difficulties Perfectionism Procrastination

What is procrastination? Putting off a task which needs to be done It can affect our study and writing We may disguise avoidance by being very busy We may find things to do that are interesting or even useful, but don't contribute towards the main goal It may involve feelings of anxiety, stress, guilt, shame and depression

Overcoming Procrastination Use a diary Prioritise and set achievable targets Revise targets Acknowledge progress Stay focussed Avoid avoidant activities! Reward yourself

Procrastination – so what can you do about it ? Aversion to the task Develop motivation Find a personal engagement with subject … … how can I use this idea ? … what’s significant in this for me ? Why have I found this difficult in the past ? … … how is this different now ? If I had to explain this to others simply, how would I best summarise it for them ? So which are You – X or Y. If time use write on OHP – Ask for audience suggestions of motivators and discuss how successful they may be. e.g. Supervision and training. Conditions – amount and urgency of work Interpersonal relations Salary Status Job security

Procrastination – so what can you do about it ? Impulsiveness / distractions Long term vision ‘Unpleasant’ tasks first Short tasks / short term rewards Involve others in pay-offs Mix active / passive work e.g. reading Study groups sharing research teaching learning So which are You – X or Y. If time use write on OHP – Ask for audience suggestions of motivators and discuss how successful they may be. e.g. Supervision and training. Conditions – amount and urgency of work Interpersonal relations Salary Status Job security

Procrastination – so what can you do about it ? Time management issues: Allow more time for assignments … … draft, leave, edit, redraft Simple, realistic, daily goal-setting Link short-term priorities to long-term goals Lower your expectations ? So which are You – X or Y. If time use write on OHP – Ask for audience suggestions of motivators and discuss how successful they may be. e.g. Supervision and training. Conditions – amount and urgency of work Interpersonal relations Salary Status Job security

Procrastination – so what can you do about it ? Environmental Factors Ask library staff for guidance Find your favourite space Keep it clear, focussed on one activity Symbolise it ? So which are You – X or Y. If time use write on OHP – Ask for audience suggestions of motivators and discuss how successful they may be. e.g. Supervision and training. Conditions – amount and urgency of work Interpersonal relations Salary Status Job security

More Tips! Schedule 25 or 50 minute blocks of study Choose a place free from distractions Plan to use “free time". Use daylight hours Schedule a weekly review Be careful not to become a slave to your schedule

Track Your Progress with Pomotodo Web App

Good Organisation Stick to a routine Bribe yourself Take effective breaks Avoid/Log distractions Study briefly and regularly