Time ManagementWelcome to the LIFE Center’s time management module. This module provides training for building skills in time management.

Introduction

Are you constantly at war with your assignment deadlines? Do you often procrastinate? Do you underestimate the amount of time an assignment will take to finish?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you could benefit greatly from working on your time management skills.

You may ask yourself, why should I manage my time? I do well in school, so I do not need to know how to manage my time effectively.

It doesn’t really matter whether you are doing well in school or not. One of the most important skills for new college students is being able to manage their time effectively.

The Importance of Time Management

More productive while working Accomplish more with less effort

Easier to balance activities Improve quality of life

More time for leisure activities

Reduces stress of uncertainty/decision making

Be happier and healthier

Benefits of Managing Your Time

HOW WELL DO YOU USE YOUR TIME

Here are some general steps to help you to manage your time effectively

TIME MANAGEMENT PROCESS

Can use goal setting in all areas of your lifeGives you a head start on tasks

Your goals should be:

Setting Goals

positivepersonalpossible

Set long term and short term goalsBreak down goals into smaller steps to

make them easier to manageDo not use vague goals

Use objective & quantitative measuresGood to stay on track but remember goals can

change

Setting Goals

(Remember: Goals do not have to be isolated or unrelated, there may be some overlapping.)

What tasks are most important?Task’s consequences for not completing on

timeHow long will each task take?What things need to be done first?

Upcoming deadlines & obligationsWhat tasks can be done simultaneously?

Writing a report while riding the trainHow much flexible time do I have to allow

for unexpected events, assignments, and activities?

Prioritize your Time

Urgent/Important matrix

Prioritize your Time

Urgent and

Important

Important, But Not

Urgent

Urgent, But Not

Important

Not Urgent and Not Importan

t

Set up a semester plan

Based on known priorities, make a written plan

Making a Plan

Start by placing in all class and lab times on your schedule

Next put in all other time requirements such as work, meetings, gym, hospital, etc.Mark all projects and exams due dates.

EXAMPLE PLAN

Last step is to revisit and revise your planAsk yourself, am I making progress? How have I spent my time? What tasks was I unable to complete? What have I done to waste my time? Was procrastination a problem for me?

Remember, do not over plan, just take an action and adjust your goals.

Revisit and Revise your Plan

How to Stay Organized in College Try several time management systems until

you find one that sticksKeep your room cleanStay on top of your responsibilitiesSpend a little time each week reorganizingPlan ahead to stay aheadTake care of your physical, emotional, and

mental health

ORGANIZE YOUR TIME

“Procrastination is the thief of time,” said Edward Young, “So stop procrastinating and stick with your schedule”.

You should understand why you procrastinate. Two common reasons for that:

Avoid Procrastination

Feel overwhelmed

Lack of motivation Scared of failure

No clear deadlineNot enough resources

Wonder where to start

Procrastination will lead to:

Increased stress

Poorer performance

●Monitor your time (Spend a few days monitoring your

time to find out where it is being used)

Where Does the Time Go? Try This Time-Us

e

Tracker

●Use waiting times (Waiting times are the time you spend

in between meetings, classes, events, etc.)

Time Management Tips

●Do not forget to budget in time for

sleeping, eating, & exercising

●Try to leave some flexibility in your

schedule

●Visualize long term success

Time Management Tips

Words from the WiseHarvey Mackay: Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go.

Steve Jobs: Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.

Benjamin Franklin: You may delay, but time will not.

Additional resources of Time Management by Madison Jones

Time Management for Students – Article featuring basic time management advice for college students

One of These Days I'll Stop Procrastinating – Ailments for procrastination

Manage Your Work, Don't Let It Manage You – List of tips that include seven suggestions for managing time

How to Avoid Distractions While Studying – Article on avoiding distractions

Effective Study Environments – Advice for creating an effective study environment

The "Big Five" Time Management Tips for Students – Plan, assess, organize, prioritize, and schedule your activities.

Additional resources of Time Management by Madison Jones

8 Time Management Tips for Adult College Students – For those adults coming back to school, a time management refresher may be in order.

Key Skills for Time Management – This is a great guide for young people entering the workforce or students.

Students Can't Resist Distraction for Two Minutes – This article talks about the myth of multitasking.

Using a Day Planner – This is a guide for using a planner, which is highly recommended for students.

Study Tips – This article deals with the length of time it is recommended to take breaks, how long and when they should be, as well as how to get into a routine for studying.

YouTube resources about Time Management

Time Management – The last lecture by Randy Pausch before his death.

How To Get More Time In Your Day- Video to help you manage your time.

Time Management Mistakes: Strategies for Improving Your Productivity- Video to help you avoid common mistakes on managing your time

The Secret Powers of Time –Video from RSA Animate

Now, let’s go to do the right things.