Managing your time successfully implies accomplishing what is most important for you. When you do not accomplish what you truly want, you may feel confused, compromised, and frustrated. Many people try to use time management techniques that work for others, only to be disappointed. Often it is because they do not also identify the goals most important to them and gear the techniques toward those goals. Effective time management must include techniques for good prioritizing.
Myths About Time Management
Before exploring specific time-management techniques, consider several common myths which contribute to poor time management, especially undermining your efforts to establish and follow your priorities:
Myth: My life is completely controlled by external events.
Fact: You can have some control over many aspects of your life, but you and you alone are responsible for initiating that control. Learn to recognize what you can and cannot control before making your choices. Anticipate the future and clarify the external demands that must be faced. From there, it is easier to determine what must be done, and within what time frame, despite the demands.
Myth: I should meet everyone's expectations.
Fact: The needs and demands of others may be inappropriate for you and your lifestyle. They may be poorly timed, highly questionable, or simply unattainable. They may be a different priority than your own. By trying to meet the expectations of others you may be shortchanging yourself and your needs. First become clear about what yours need are and then you consider what others expect of you.
Myth: I should have no limits.
Fact: We all have limits...failure to acknowledge these limits may cause you to become overwhelmed.
Myth: My life is completely controlled by external events.
Fact: You can have some control over many aspects of your life, but you and you alone are responsible for initiating that control. Learn to recognize what you can and cannot control before making your choices. Anticipate the future and clarify the external demands that must be faced. From there, it is easier to determine what must be done, and within what time frame, despite the demands.
Myth: I should meet everyone's expectations.
Fact: The needs and demands of others may be inappropriate for you and your lifestyle. They may be poorly timed, highly questionable, or simply unattainable. They may be a different priority than your own. By trying to meet the expectations of others you may be shortchanging yourself and your needs. First become clear about what yours need are and then you consider what others expect of you.
Myth: I should have no limits.
Fact: We all have limits...failure to acknowledge these limits may cause you to become overwhelmed.
Specific Techniques
While it is important to develop your own style for managing your time and work, consider how the following techniques might help you.
-Optimize your work environment. Keep things you need in your work area and make sure the physical environment is conducive to concentration, not just comfort. You may need to experiment to determine the right work environment. For example, some work best in a quiet setting while others work best with background music; some work best at a place reserved only for study while others work best at a kitchen table. Find what works best for you.
-Safeguard blocks of work time. Protect your time by saying "no" to various interruptions, activities, or persons. Interruptions are a two-fold problem: the interruption itself and the expectation of further interruptions. Both reduce your effectiveness considerably. Some interruptions can be avoided by keeping in mind the following:
*Arrange your work area so that your back is to the traffic flow
*Close your door; open it selectively
*Turn off your cellphone to minimize distractions
2. Prioritize the Things You Wish to Do
-Develop an overview of everything that you want to accomplish
-Organize your goals according to their priority/due date
3. Plan Ahead According to Your Priorities
-Make a long range timetable. Identify academic goals and deadlines (dates of exams, dates of papers) and make target dates for your non-academic goals. Next, determine the steps you need to follow to reach these goals. Segment the larger activities into a series of smaller units. Then, make a reasonable timetable for accomplishing your goals on time.
-Remember your day to day personal maintenance. Certain activities- if neglected- will throw your life out of balance and undermine your high priority efforts (sleeping, eating, socializing, etc,). Include them in your planning.
-Plan each day and week as you go through the timetable. Remember to review your timetable each day and each week. New unexpected items will come up; adjust your plans accordingly. Plan in extra time and/or be ready to adjust your plan while keeping in mind your high priority goals.
4. Avoid Over-Planning
-This may seem to contradict the preceding information, but over-organizing. Beyond a certain point, adding techniques may simple create additional time problems rather than solving previous ones.
- Stack the cards in your favor.
-Optimize your work environment. Keep things you need in your work area and make sure the physical environment is conducive to concentration, not just comfort. You may need to experiment to determine the right work environment. For example, some work best in a quiet setting while others work best with background music; some work best at a place reserved only for study while others work best at a kitchen table. Find what works best for you.
-Safeguard blocks of work time. Protect your time by saying "no" to various interruptions, activities, or persons. Interruptions are a two-fold problem: the interruption itself and the expectation of further interruptions. Both reduce your effectiveness considerably. Some interruptions can be avoided by keeping in mind the following:
*Arrange your work area so that your back is to the traffic flow
*Close your door; open it selectively
*Turn off your cellphone to minimize distractions
2. Prioritize the Things You Wish to Do
-Develop an overview of everything that you want to accomplish
-Organize your goals according to their priority/due date
3. Plan Ahead According to Your Priorities
-Make a long range timetable. Identify academic goals and deadlines (dates of exams, dates of papers) and make target dates for your non-academic goals. Next, determine the steps you need to follow to reach these goals. Segment the larger activities into a series of smaller units. Then, make a reasonable timetable for accomplishing your goals on time.
-Remember your day to day personal maintenance. Certain activities- if neglected- will throw your life out of balance and undermine your high priority efforts (sleeping, eating, socializing, etc,). Include them in your planning.
-Plan each day and week as you go through the timetable. Remember to review your timetable each day and each week. New unexpected items will come up; adjust your plans accordingly. Plan in extra time and/or be ready to adjust your plan while keeping in mind your high priority goals.
4. Avoid Over-Planning
-This may seem to contradict the preceding information, but over-organizing. Beyond a certain point, adding techniques may simple create additional time problems rather than solving previous ones.
Need Additional Help?
See the guidance office for more information or assistance in managing your time.