If you're reading this it's quite likely that time management is not your strong suit. You probably feel over-worked, over-tired and over it all!
But giving up is not the solution. Instead, let's look at some easy to implement strategies and time management tools that will help you make the most of the time you already have available and also create some more free time for you.
Tip number one - to-do lists are your friend. If you want to know what you need to get done, then you need to actually write it down and assign a priority to it. So write down all the things that you want to complete and start putting them in order of their importance. People love listing items and then ticking them off as they go. It's very satisfying! It's also important that your to-do items are specific and it's easy to understand when you have completed it. Don't create items like "make a start on my history paper" because "making a start" is too vague. Instead, break the tasks down into simple tasks like "write the first sentence of my history paper." Makes sense doesn't it?
Tip number two - actually prioritize your tasks. Going to back to tip one, you should understand which tasks always come first and which tasks can always be put off. Think of them in terms of air, water and food. You can last seconds without air, days without water and weeks without food. So how quickly will you die if you don't do the task? That should help you clear up the priority level of the task and also creep you out a bit.
Tip number three - tackle procrastination head on. When we look at things we need to complete we have a tendency to look at them as one big ugly task. Instead of doing this, you need to break any big task down into much smaller pieces. For example, in order to write a 2000 word essay you first need to write one word, then one sentence, then one paragraph, then one page, and then 1000 words. By then you are half way done! By it's the breaking it down and getting started that makes the most difference. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and concerned and do nothing. But the smart thing to do is break the task right down and get started on something small. Once you actually start you will realize the task is easier than you thought.
Tip number four - do what counts. A major trap we all fall into is trying to do everything that's assigned. But that's actually a waste of your time. You should do only what you know counts towards your final grades. If a paper is worth 50% then spend lots and lots of time on it. If your homework is not worth grades but must be handed in - then make sure you hand it in - but don't spend as much time on it as anything that counts towards your final grade. Find out what counts the most and give that the most time. Worrying about everything will only drive you nuts!
Tip number five - focus on one thing at a time. When you focus on multiple things at once there is a strong tendency to start all tasks but get nothing completed. Not only that, but your work also tends to be of a lesser quality because you are not focusing. That is a poor use of time. Just complete the tasks one after the other in a sequence and you'll find that things get completed quicker and with more awesomeness.
But giving up is not the solution. Instead, let's look at some easy to implement strategies and time management tools that will help you make the most of the time you already have available and also create some more free time for you.
Tip number one - to-do lists are your friend. If you want to know what you need to get done, then you need to actually write it down and assign a priority to it. So write down all the things that you want to complete and start putting them in order of their importance. People love listing items and then ticking them off as they go. It's very satisfying! It's also important that your to-do items are specific and it's easy to understand when you have completed it. Don't create items like "make a start on my history paper" because "making a start" is too vague. Instead, break the tasks down into simple tasks like "write the first sentence of my history paper." Makes sense doesn't it?
Tip number two - actually prioritize your tasks. Going to back to tip one, you should understand which tasks always come first and which tasks can always be put off. Think of them in terms of air, water and food. You can last seconds without air, days without water and weeks without food. So how quickly will you die if you don't do the task? That should help you clear up the priority level of the task and also creep you out a bit.
Tip number three - tackle procrastination head on. When we look at things we need to complete we have a tendency to look at them as one big ugly task. Instead of doing this, you need to break any big task down into much smaller pieces. For example, in order to write a 2000 word essay you first need to write one word, then one sentence, then one paragraph, then one page, and then 1000 words. By then you are half way done! By it's the breaking it down and getting started that makes the most difference. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and concerned and do nothing. But the smart thing to do is break the task right down and get started on something small. Once you actually start you will realize the task is easier than you thought.
Tip number four - do what counts. A major trap we all fall into is trying to do everything that's assigned. But that's actually a waste of your time. You should do only what you know counts towards your final grades. If a paper is worth 50% then spend lots and lots of time on it. If your homework is not worth grades but must be handed in - then make sure you hand it in - but don't spend as much time on it as anything that counts towards your final grade. Find out what counts the most and give that the most time. Worrying about everything will only drive you nuts!
Tip number five - focus on one thing at a time. When you focus on multiple things at once there is a strong tendency to start all tasks but get nothing completed. Not only that, but your work also tends to be of a lesser quality because you are not focusing. That is a poor use of time. Just complete the tasks one after the other in a sequence and you'll find that things get completed quicker and with more awesomeness.
About the Author:
HelpMeToStudy.org is the best resource for learning new study skills, changing your study habits and finding the best studying tips available. We provide free access to the world's best and most engaging study resources and strategies that will help change the way you think about study - and even better - we show you how to study effectively: How To Study Effectively | Time Management Tools
No comments:
Post a Comment