Manage Your Work, Don’t Let It Manage You:

Tips for Managing Your Time and Getting Ahead

pdf format

Goals of Time Management

• To be able to have control over your life – manage your time, don’t let it manage you!

• To be healthier and happier (less stress).

Seven Suggestions for Effectively Managing Your Time

1. Be Organized

• Use time saving tools: appointment calendars, “to do” lists, e-mail, answering machines, file folders, etc.

• Have an organized workplace (don’t waste time constantly looking for your work).

• Use your appointment calendar for everything, including listing study time.

• Use “to do” lists for both long-term and for each day/week.

2. Plan Ahead (Schedule it and it will happen!)

• Determine how long your tasks will take (do this before agreeing to take on a task!)

• Consider whether any activities can be combined.

• Determine if big tasks can be broken down into smaller tasks that may be easier to schedule (such as studying for exams and visiting the library as part of an assignment to write a term paper).

3. Prioritize Your Tasks

• Use an A-B-C rating system for items on your “to do” lists with A items being highest priority.

• Set goals for both the short term and long term as to what you want to accomplish.

• Look at all of your “to do”s to gauge the time requirement and whether additional resources will be needed to accomplish them (if yes, schedule time to obtain those resources). Don’t postpone the small tasks (a sense of accomplishment is good and overlooked small tasks can become larger tasks.)

4. Avoid Overload

• Include time for rest, relaxation, sleep, eating, exercise, and socializing in your schedule.

• Take short breaks during study and work periods.

• Don’t put everything off until the last minute (for example, don’t cram for exams).

• Learn to say “no” when appropriate and to negotiate better deadlines when appropriate.

5. Practice Effective Study Techniques

• Have an appropriate study environment.

• Split large tasks into more manageable tasks.

• Read for comprehension, rather than just to get to the end of the chapter.

• Be prepared to ask questions as they come up during study, rather than waiting until just before an exam.

• Do the most difficult work first, perhaps breaking it up with some easier tasks.

• Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your projects.

• Read the syllabus as soon as you get it and note all due dates (and “milestone” times) on your calendar.

• Be a model student! (be attentive and participative in class, and punctual, prepared, and eager to learn)

6. Be Able to be Flexible

• The unexpected happens (sickness, car troubles, etc.); you need to be able to fit it into your schedule.

• Know how to rearrange your schedule when necessary (so it doesn’t manage you – you manage it).

• Know who to ask for help when needed.

7. Have a Vision (why are you doing all of this?)

• Don’t forget the “big picture” – why are you doing the task – is it important to your long-term personal goals?

• Have and follow a personal mission statement (personal and career). (Are your activities ultimately helping you achieve your goals?)

• Know what is important to you. (What do you value most?)

• Have a positive attitude!

Time Management Tips For High School Students

It’s 10 P.M.—Do You Know Where Your Homework Is?

Does it seem like there’s never enough time in the day to get everything done? Feel like you’re always running late? Here are some tips for taking control of your time and organizing your life.

1. Make a “To Do” List Every Day.

Put things that are most important at the top and do them first. If it’s easier, use a planner to track all of your tasks. And don’t forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments.

2. Use Spare Minutes Wisely.

Get some reading done on the bus ride home from school, for example, and you’ll kill two birds with one stone.

3. It’s Okay to Say “No.”

If your boss asks you to work on a Thursday night and you have a final exam the next morning, realize that it’s okay to say no. Keep your short- and long-term priorities in mind.

4. Find the Right Time.

You’ll work more efficiently if you figure out when you do your best work. For example, if your brain handles math better in the afternoon, don’t wait to do it until late at night.

5. Review Your Notes Every Day.

You’ll reinforce what you’ve learned, so you need less time to study. You’ll also be ready if your teacher calls on you or gives a pop quiz.

6. Get a Good Night’s Sleep.

Running on empty makes the day seem longer and your tasks seem more difficult.

7. Communicate Your Schedule to Others.

If phone calls are proving to be a distraction, tell your friends that you take social calls from 7-8 p.m. It may sound silly, but it helps.

8. Become a Taskmaster.

Figure out how much free time you have each week. Give yourself a time budget and plan your activities accordingly.

9. Don’t Waste Time Agonizing.

Have you ever wasted an entire evening by worrying about something that you’re supposed to be doing? Was it worth it? Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it.

10. Keep Things in Perspective.

Setting goals that are unrealistic sets you up for failure. While it’s good to set high goals for yourself, be sure not to overdo it. Set goals that are difficult yet reachable.

Consider these tips, but personalize your habits so that they suit you. If you set priorities that fit your lifestyle, you’ll have a better chance of achieving your goals.