TIME MANAGEMENT

TIME MANAGEMENT –Overview We find time to do the things we have made a COMMITMENT to. We find time to do the things we WANT to do. We will often avoid finding time to do the things we SHOULD do. Our relationship to time is often a function of our personality preferences/culture.

We all have the same amount of time. 168 hours per week. Time cannot be saved, borrowed, or renewed. Time can seem fluid. Time can seem to pass faster or slower.

 SELF -DISCIPLINE  SELF MOTIVATION  MEANING of LIFE  PROCRASTINATION Utilizing time effectively has to do with:

SELF DISCIPLINE Teaching yourself to do the things that are necessary to reach your goals Developing good habits that support you in reaching your goals

SELF DISCIPLINE: Example You are on a diet, you know you should eat fruits, vegetables, low fat foods and exercise Instead, you eat pizza, donuts and sit in front of the TV each night

SELF MOTIVATION Motivation moves you in the direction of your goals Motivation is an emotional state Fear and desire are emotions that are a part of motivation Fear affects motivation in a negative way Meaning in Life Meaning determines what you are willing to put your attention towards

SELF MOTIVATION: Example You enroll in college because you want to be trained in a field that will bring you a higher income Your motivation and meaning comes from your love for your family and your desire to give them a good life

PROCRASTINATION Symptom of fear of failure and fear of success Excuse for failure:”I didn’t have enough time to study!” Perfectionist: want to do a good job and then procrastinate and say didn’t have enough time to do the job right SOLUTION: Just DO something!!

PROCRASTINATION: Example It is Saturday, your term paper is due on Monday. Instead of sitting down and writing it…….. You spend the entire weekend, surfing the waves ………..

PERSONALITY TYPE & TIME MANAGEMENT CONTROL VS ADAPTIVE COMPULSIVITY VS IMPULSIVITY

Control/Compulsivity Need to control environment Time is to be controlled Time is to be scheduled Like to have directed effort

IMPULSIVITY/ADAPTIVE Time is fluid All time is free Time is spur of the moment Time is adaptive

TECHNIQUES TO HELP YOU MANAGE YOUR TIME Both Control & Adaptive types can benefit from the following techniques Control types will find it easier to implement the techniques

LEARN TO PLAN Planning gives a person control You make the rules You can measure your own success You can create a planning mechanism that suits your personality

TRACK THE WAYS YOU USE TIME 1. Write down what you want to do tomorrow 2. How much time for each task? 3. Rank order what needs to be done first! 4. Check off tasks as you get done with them. 5. Develop a planning system: high/low tech, lists, palm pilots, day planners, PDA’s

HOW TO SCHEDULE Schedule “set times” first Classes Work Eating Sleeping Travel time/Commute

BUILD FLEXIBILITY INTO YOUR SCHEDULE Fun Time Down Time Exercise Time Social Time Planning for the unexpected Study Time

“KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE” Remember the “big picture” Break down long-term goals to achievable short- term goals. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of the process. Honestly access your progress toward your goal.

DEVELOPING GOALS Choosing a starting point When will you begin working on your goal The “when” clarifies how much of a priority the goal is to you.

STEPS FOR DEVELOPING GOALS Keep it simple Define the goal as clearly as possible The more specific the goal the less time and energy will be spent achieving the goal.

SETTING PRIORITIES Develop a Strategy Now that you’ve defined your goals, it’s time for prioritizing. Define which goals are the most important, and put them in sequential order.

Finally, Keep in Mind Use and practice time-management skills Learn to say NO to excessive demands Plan time for yourself & family – do not wait until other demands have been met. Remember – to seek BALANCE between your work, family, school, spiritual, and personal needs