Time Management Techniques

Time management involves completing important tasks successfully in a timely manner, with as little stress as possible, while still having time
for yourself to do those things that you enjoy.  Effective time management is beneficial in all areas of your life, and what better time to start than now!  There are many time management tips and methods out there, and I have compiled some of these lists into the one below.

Tips for Better Time Management Skills

@                   Be Aware of what you do with your time; keep a diary or calendar and chart how you spend your day, then review it to see where you are wasting time.

@                   Use a Planner or Appointment Calendar to keep up with due dates, meetings, extracurricular activities, etc.

@                   Make a ATo Do@ List and use it on a daily basis.  Prioritize your tasks, according to importance (see tips on how to do this in the next section).

@                   Do One Thing at a Time!  If you have more than one task or project, work on only one at a time.  Divide large, overwhelming assignments into several smaller parts and tackle each part individually.

@                   Learn the Difference between Important and Immediate Tasks.  Many people get sidetracked with the immediate Aon the spot@ jobs which are not actually that important.  Instead, focus on projects that are both immediate and important.

@                   Regularly Ask Yourself AWhat is the best use of my time right now?@  Focus on that task, or write your goals on a note card and post them where you will see them daily; then put your time toward achieving one of those goals.

@                   Plan Ahead!  Be prepared for deadlines, assignments, exams, etc., by planning extra work/study hours.  Think of it this wayBhaving those extra study/work hours won=t hurt you, but not having enough time to study or complete your task surely will!

@                   Just Say ANO@ to Procrastination.  Avoid this time-waster by working on unpleasant tasks early in the day, or whenever you have the most energy and motivation.  Look for more tips to avoid procrastination in the next section.

@                   Schedule Breaks for yourself; it=s much easier to stay focused if you do this, and you can avoid boredom and fatigue this way as well.  Limit your breaks to 10-15 minutes.

@                   Learn to Say ANO@ to friends, family and co-workers.  Commit yourself to only those activities that you have time for, and apply this rule at work, home and school.

@                   Learn to Say ALater@ to interruptions and distractions.  Remember that not all interruptions are emergencies.  Postpone phone calls, visitors, and any other distractions while studying, doing chores, or working on a project at work.

@                   Take Care of Yourself!!  This may be the last tip on the list, but it is definitely not the least important!  Proper nutrition, adequate rest and exercise equals better mental and physical healthBit is much easier to manage your time and your life if you feel good mentally and physically!
 

From >Top Ten Tips for Improving Time Management= at The George Washington University Counseling Center=s website, and from >Effective time management= at Unison.ie website
 

http://www.sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl.html

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/study/time.html

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/study/schedule.html

http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/htimesug.html

http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/htimesch.html

http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/TMInteractive.html

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