Time Management

10 Tips for Effective Time Management

1. Organize projects you are working on and separate them so that materials aren't lost
2. Prioritize tasks based on due dates and importance to you
3. Complete difficult tasks or study difficult or boring materials before attempting more interesting or easier tasks
4. Break large projects into smaller tasks that can be completed gradually
5. Learn to say "no." Don't take on more responsibilities than you can reasonably handle
6. Recognize how you waste time and work to fill that time with something meaningful
7. Use a regular study area where you'll be alert to help you focus on studying and combat procrastination and tiredness
8. Write down important things. Relying too much on your memory leaves room for forgetting important deadlines which can lead to a time loss. Also, think of how much memory can be freed up for studying if you don't have to remember that your car is being tuned on Tuesday
9. Know Yourself: What are your roles and responsibilities? When is the best time of day for you to accomplish certain tasks? Do you avoid particular tasks repeatedly?
10. Make time for relaxation

Some Questions to Help You Prioritize

• What is important in my life?
• What is the most important thing this month, week, day?
• What is one task I can accomplish toward my goal?
• Does this project/task need to be completed perfectly?
• Would I pay myself for what I'm doing right now?
• Can I do just one more thing?
• How did I just waste time?
• Could I find the time if I really wanted to?
• What gets in the way of accomplishing important tasks?
• What things do you have to do on a regular basis?

Time Wasters

• Disorganization
• Telephone interruptions
• Fatigue
• Indecision and procrastination
• Wanting all the facts to make a decision
• Failure to listen to instructions
• Underestimating the time required to complete a task

Time Savers

• Make lists of important tasks
• Use time waiting for the bus, the doctor, between classes, etc. to accomplish small, portable tasks such as studying from note cards, paying bills, creating/organizing your list of tasks for the following day, etc.
• Delegate tasks to friends and family who can help you when you have a time crunch. Don't be afraid to ask for help
• Get ready to complete tasks the night before. If you're going to begin a paper in the morning, gather your materials by the computer so you will be ready to go in the morning

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Ellis, David. "25 ways to get the most out of now." Becoming a Master Student. College Survival, Inc.: Rapid City, SD. 1985.
Liss, Steve. "Juggling Your Time!" Presentation at Cleveland State University, 1992.