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 schedule 2.The weekly schedule 3.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 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