GET ORGANISED! Time Management Student Learning Development Student Counselling Service E: W:

Learning Objectives Become aware of importance of self- management Learn about goal setting, time management and procrastination Controlling distractions and overcoming procrastination Practice strategies

Self-Management Effectively managing yourself and your resources by: Planning Monitoring Evaluating

Self-Assessment What study goals have you done this week? If you didn’t achieve them why not? What do you hope to do the rest of the week? What have you done to get organised? Environment Routine Notes Mind

Goal Setting Goals help us focus, stay in control Goals are motivating Different types: –Long term goals –Medium term goals –Short term goals

SMART Goal Setting S = Specific M = Measurable A = Action R = Realistic T = Time-based

EXERCISE Discuss the various techniques or things you do to help manage your time and resources What works? What doesn’t work?

Time Management Strategies Prioritise your tasks How?

Setting Priorities High UrgencyLow Urgency High Importance 1 Do it now 2 Plan to do it Low Importance 3 Resist giving it high priority 4 Time Wasters Busy work

Time Management Strategies Prioritise Specificity Small bite-size pieces Use all available time Structure the environment Establish a routine Scheduling

Scheduling – use a system Diary and/or Term Planner Time Tables To do lists – weekly or daily Relaxation time Monitor, evaluate, reward

Get a diary Everything Check daily Dates, meetings, lectures, timetable Social / Relaxation Rewards

Plan Weekly – short term tasks

An example timetable Before After Mon Lecture: Myth PB 101 Work in library Lecture: Rome 12-1 HUM44 Keep freeSeminar: Myth 3-4 URS21 Independent study Tues SwimIndependent study Lecture: Epic 4-5 PB105 Wed Seminar: Rome 9-10 HUM15 Independent study Independent study Badminton 2-3Badminton 3-4(Union night) Thurs SwimIndependent study Lecture: Myth 2-3 PB101 Work in library 3-4 Lecture: Rome 4-5 HUM44 Film soc Fri Lecture: Epic 9-10 PB 105 Seminar: Epic URS21 Independent study (Out with friends) Sat Paid work (Out with friends) Sun Independent study Make to-do list for next week

“The best thing I did was to make lists of things that I needed to do and prioritize them. It helped me to become more organized and efficient. It really helps me to keep on top of things and also not to procrastinate. Procrastination is the easiest thing to do and the hardest thing to get away from.” Joanna Lists

To-do list Make a list of all tasks If it can be done in 2 mins do it now If not, add it to your list Prioritise Options: Mobile Phone Notepad Diary

Distractions s Phone calls & texts Facebook/Twitter/Bebo Surfing the net Computer games Television Food & Drink Tidying/Housework Family commitments

PROCRASTINATION Is to delay needlessly something that we believe would be to our benefit!

Patterns of Procrastination Perfectionist – Focused on excellence at the expense of getting tasks completed on time. (Focused on the future) Postponer – Focused on having fun and avoiding difficult tasks. (Focused on the immediate present) Politician – Focused on social commitments and others needs – can’t say no. (Focused on externals) Punisher – Focused on own perceived shortcomings and failures. (Focused on the past) Patterns of Procrastination (Schubert Walker, 2004 in Counseling the Procrastinator in Academic Settings)

Overcoming Procrastination Take Action Salami Technique Five Minutes Related Tasks Worst first Make Commitments

Organise your learning PURPOSE STRATEGY REVIEW

Making sense of the mess! Setting up a filing system Make it simple – if it’s complicated, you won’t use it Aim to be able to file it quickly and find it quickly Use box files or magazine holders to store documents, notes, small books etc – label clearly Use document folders to transport what you need each day - empty and repack these regularly!

Organise your mind! Positive attitude Positive language Self-efficacy Goals and wants

Some work for you Stop doing Continue doing Start doing Signed Date:

Summary Plan, monitor and evaluate how you manage yourself and your time Set and achieve SMART goals Use a time management system and effective strategies Get things started and finished – beat procrastination Maintain balance

Further information W: P: E: