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Time Management

 

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Have you ever asked yourself why some people are able to fit so many different activities into their schedules while others barely seem able to have the time to attend classes? Are they smarter? Doubtful! More organized? Probably! Better at managing time? Likely! Time management is important to any person, but particularly to student organization members and leaders. Involvement in co-curricular activities means that in addition to classes, homework, meals, jobs, socializing, or any other significant chunk of your time is dedicated to something. This leader sheet is designed to give you and your club/organization members hints and suggestions about how to effectively manage your time. It is important to note that time management is a personal skill; only you know your peak work hours, your attention span, your eating and sleeping habits and your limitations. The following three tips are important to remember. Whatever method works for you is the “right” one. Remember, though sometimes our preferences for working styles change with time and situations. So you must be ready for those changes in your own preferences.

The BIG THREE - Steps to Effective Time Management

 ORGANIZING

Ideally, you should make a list each morning of everything you have to do that day. Do not plan out every minute and don’t even think about which is most important. Just write them all down first. Some people prefer to write down everything for the week and then group things that way. Whichever way you choose, keep in mind that everyone has good days and bad days. Don’t chide yourself if you don’t accomplish EVERYTHING, just add the incomplete tasks to the next day’s list and get them done.

PRIORITIZING

After you have recorded your “things to do” for the day or week, go back over the list and rewrite in priority order which things you need/want to do at the top and write less important/pressing tasks at the bottom. Keep in mind due dates or commitments you have made, and whether or not these tasks involve other people. If the items are for class, it is important to consider how much of the final grade they are worth. How you choose to prioritize your time is a very personal matter. What is important is that you are responsible with your priorities. Remember, if you do a task you enjoy first and then alternate the tasks you consider more tedious, you build in a reward system for yourself to keep motivated.

SCHEDULING

The last thing to do is to take the tasks and apply them to your schedule. Don’t plan every minute of your day. Remember to leave space for breaks, fun, and unexpected things that pop up. There’s no use making a schedule that’s impossible to follow!  

TEN STEPS TO BETTER TIME MANAGEMENT

1. Analyze your current use of time.

2. Explore your long term goals (What do you need to do now for success later ?)

3. Keep a to-do list for short-term things.

4. Prioritize your list.

5. Keep an appointment book/planner.

6. Do more than one thing at a time; read while waiting in line, cook while talking on the phone, do laundry while studying.

7. Avoid the PIG. Procrastination, Indecision, and Guilt.

8. Anticipate.

9. Eliminate and Consolidate.

10. Learn to Say NO!

TEN TIPS TO OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION

1. Bits and Pieces: Do a bit at a time.

2. Take 10: A ten minute break can refresh your mind!

3. Misery loves company: Work with a friend.

4. Adverse conditioning: What is worse? Getting the work done or the guilt you feel when you don’t?

5. Do the WORST last.

6. Do the EASIEST first.

7. Reward yourself.

8. Find the RIGHT environment for you.

9. Make a promise to get it done.

10. Know your energy.

Information adapted from Occidental College-Office of Student Life

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