Time Management
Time management is a way to sort through the activities you enjoy and the tasks you have to do and find time for (almost) all of them. Time management will help you in school and in your future careers because you will learn how to budget your time and get the most out of each day. Most importantly, it will help you find time to do the things you love to do so you stay healthy and happy.
Four Steps to Time Management
Set Priorities: Make a ToDo List
- List all the things you want to do (or need to do). Make separate lists for things you want to do, today, and things you want to do sometime in the future.
- Rank the importance of each item. Write "1" by the most important item, "2" by the next most important item, etc. Usually #1 will be whatever project or assignment is due first, but sometimes it will be a smaller task that you need to finish in order to concentrate on the other items on your list.
- Start working through your todo list. After you finish #1, cross it off your list and start on #2. Sometimes you will need to skip around because you do not have the materials you need or you need help from someone who cannot help you until later. Try to come back to your most important goals and finish them before doing less important tasks, though.
- Do not panic if you do not finish everything. Your goal should be to identify your tasks and prioritize them. At the end of the day, congratulate yourself for what you accomplished and move the other items to tomorrow's todo list.
Schedule Your Time: Use a Calendar
- Use a calendar to keep track of important events like tests, assignment due dates, and parties.
- For large projects, write goal due dates in your calendar for when you want to finish certain parts of the project.
- You may want to use a monthly calendar to see the big picture of when things are due and a weekly calendar to keep track of club meetings and daily assignments.
- Schedule time for fun and exercise to keep yourself happy and healthy.
- Group similar activities to do at the same time.
- Do tasks and homework when you have the most energy.
- Concentrate on the task: Gather the supplies you need before you start, develop an interest in the task, set goals for yourself, vary your activities, and pace yourself.
- Identify things that keep you from completing tasks and correct them. If you have a hard time concentrating on homework because you keep getting phone calls from friends, study in a room that doesn't have a phone and ask your friends not to call you during your study hours.
- Balance your fun and work. Fun is more fun when your work is done. At the same time, you will work more efficiently if you also leave time for fun.
- Reward yourself for reaching your goals.
Several companies sell planners that have sections for making todo lists and setting goals, as well as monthly and weekly calendars, address books, and assignment sheets. Find a planner that works well for your needs and habits. If you do not like carrying big books, do not get a big planner. Instead find a small, slim one that does not get in your way. If you tend to lose small things, however, find a planner that is big enough to get your attention. Most of these planners are refillable, so they can be used year after year.
Many schools offer their students free planners that list school activities for the school year. They usually have lots of room for writing assignments, and some include information about school clubs and organizations so you can find afterschool activities that interest you. School planners are a lessexpensive alternative to storebought planners. They usually only cover one year, but most schools distribute new ones each year.
If you cannot find a planner you like, make one for yourself. Make sure you include basic sections such as a calendar and a todo list. Then add any other features that you find helpful and are likely to use. Use your favorite colors and graphics so that you are more likely to use your planner. Be creative!
Developed by Ben Silliman and Jessie Moore
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