Goals of Time
Management
·
To
be able to have control over your life - manage your time, don't let it manage
you!
·
To
be healthier and happier (less stress).
Seven
Suggestions for Effectively Managing Your Time
1. Be Organized
·
Use
time saving tools: appointment calendars, "to do" lists, e-mail,
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).
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.)
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!
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