Time Management Skils
...rd. This could be anything from getting a new CD when you make an A on a final exam (Personal Goal Setting). So the list of goals has been made, when will they get done? Instead of starting with a schedule of when “study time” will be, try tracking your time first. It has the same concepts of a schedule but it works backwards. Rather than writing down what’s going to happen, write what’s already happened. Every hour or so take a minute and write a sentence or two describing how that time was spent and keep it in a log. This will help determine certain things that can be eliminated to make more time for studying or other activities. Some people find that this strategy alone isn’t enough for them. One possibility is dividing a piece of paper into two columns. On one side you can write what you should be doing and on the other side you can write down what actually happens. This way you can figure out exactly where you are slipping and change your plan accordingly (Time Management for Students). One way of ensuring a proper time management skills is the use of a planner. Keep in mind that no one should ever be a slave to their planner, but rather use it for keeping track of upcoming events, projects, actions and progress toward goals. This tool is critical for people who tend to be forgetful. When everything is already written down, all you have to do is remember to check your planner for upcoming assignments and events (Time Management for Students). As the time passes, this will become more and more natural. If you don’t stick to the schedule you might just find yourself sitting in front of the TV watching The Simpson’s when you should be studying. If you feel that this might be too much for you, start with a simple to-do list. Take a few minutes at the beginning of each day and jot down everything you need to accomplish. Try to set a time limit on each activity as well. This serves the same purpose as a planner but is a little bit less formal and more realistic for most college students (Time Management Skills). So you have set aside the time to sit down and study… now what? In order to make study time as productive as possible, certain ideas must be applied and some items avoided. For starters, recognize the part of the day when you attentiveness is at its peak. If you’re a morning person, that’s when you hit the books. If you are a night person, be sure to set aside some time every night that is devoted to studying. Study you most challenging subjects first while your mind is still fresh. If you feel that your mind is beginning to wander, don’t be scared to take a short break instead of just staring at the book and wasting valuable time (Time Management Principles). Make sure that you study in an area conducive for learning. In other words, don’t plan to study when you know the guys next door are throwing a party. Try to avoid all distractions or “time stealers” such as, • The cell phone • Unexpected visitors • Lack of planning • Lack of sleep • Not saying no These concepts might seem easy, but in the college environment they might become a little bit trickier (Time Management). College is not supposed to be all work, in fact it’s unhealthy. Everyone needs to find time for a little rest and relaxation, and that’s more that just sleeping. A social life, on some level is key to mental health. Be sure to find some time, at least once a week, when you can completely let go of you responsibilities and have some fun. Although, your sleep should not be sacrificed in order to do so. When the time comes to sit down and work you will be less effective because your mind and body have not been fully rested. Estimate twice the normal amout of time to learn the information required for success in any given course (Time Management Principles). Don’t neglect the smaller tasts. Paying your bills and doing the laundry are just as important as you LAA readings. To make the most of your time, pay all of your bills at once instead of...