Time Management The successful person has the habit of doing the things other people don’t like to do. They don’t like doing them either…but their disliking is subordinated to the strength of their purpose. – Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People

Assess your Time Management Skills

Long-term Goals Imagine that it is 15 years into the future: Where are you living? What city, town, or community? What state of country? What is your home like? Do you live in a house, apartment, town house? What do you do for leisure/fun/vacations? Whom do you socialize with? What educational degrees did you attain, and what is your career/job? How successful or satisfied are you with that career or job?

Short-term Goals Write a life goal (long-term) that includes a degree or career you would like to obtain in the future. Write down all of your classes for this semester and the grades you would like to receive. This is a list of short-term academic goals for the semester. Write three specific actions you will take to help accomplish your short-term goals. Display these goals where you will see them often as a reminder of what you want to achieve. It is important to try techniques and strategies long enough to give them a chance and see what works for you.

Why is time management necessary for reaching your short-term goals? Why are short-term goals necessary for reaching your long-term goals?

What kinds of things “eat up or waste your time? Facebook Texting Sleeping/napping Phone TV Internet Video games Relationships

Time Management Tips Set Goals Use a calendar/daytimer/electronic planner. Include exams, tests, work hours, social events, etc. Organize your week Organize your day. Use “to do” lists (prioritize tasks). Use daytime study hours. Take advantage of waiting time. Find several good places that allow for concentration. Treat your student status like a full-time job. Be specific about how you intend to study during study time. Avoid marathon study sessions. Learn to say “no.” Use good study skills strategies and techniques. Study smarter, not harder.

To address procrastination Set deadlines Commit to working on task for just 5 minutes. What happens? You usually end up working longer. Study or work on project with a study partner or group. Harder to cancel study time if other people are depending on you. Use time management techniques that work for you. If you don’t feel overwhelmed, you’re less likely to procrastinate. Ask a friend of family member to hold you accountable. Think about your long-term goals to help you complete tasks. Remember that time management allows you to participate in other activities that will help you reach your goals.

Flexible Time Each week has 168 hours (24 hours per day X 7) Add up the hours you spend on various activities and make sure it does not exceed 168. Hopefully you will have used less hours in the week for your activities The additional time is Flexible Time. It is important so you can deal with unexpected events (both pleasant and unpleasant).

Time Plan Exercise What do you need to include? Start with the items that are consistent and/or required: Sleep School time Meals Chores Exercise Transportation Family time Studying