“Leader Notes” are written and presented by the Center for Student Involvement. For more information on this topic or any other topic you are interested in, please contact a Peer Leadership Consultant.
Time Management
“Every morning you are handed 24 golden hours. They are one of the few things in this world that you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn’t buy an extra hour. What will you do with this priceless treasure? -Anonymous
Strategies for Time Management: Study and use personal biological rhythms to your advantage… Study in the morning if that is when you have your high energy level, exercise at night if that is when you workout best. Optimize work environment… Adapt and incorporate yourself into your own setting. If you can’t work on a messy desk, keep it clean! If you need an uncomfortable chair to keep yourself from falling asleep, find one! Safeguard blocks of work time… Protect yourself from interruptions from phone, TV, neighbors, etc. by turning off ringer, removing TV from work area, and closing your door. This will help you stay focused on one task at a time and protect your block of time designated for writing and researching. Create timelines and goals for each day… If no one has set a timeline for you, make one for yourself! This will help you make sure each day’s activities promote progress in certain areas of your life, including this summer research project. Helpful Hints for Effective Time Management
Be flexible; don’t let the schedule run you, take control. Make sure friends and loved ones know when a good time to call is (i.e., schedule call to mom every Sunday at 6PM). Always be prepared for class. It will reduce stress and increase confidence. Limit outside stimulants like TV watching, phone conversations, and videogames, especially before bedtime – these will not relax you, they actually make you more stressed. Replace them with reading, yoga, walks, stretching, and counting breaths (these are also excellent activities to do before starting work to enhance focus). Carry a planner!!! Keep a visible list of “Things to Do” and make them off as they are completed. Plan for things to go wrong like printers failing, writer’s block, and illness, so that you will succeed regardless of what pops up. Pace yourself (spread out large projects). Make sure your days and your weeks are balanced – most of the time, it is difficult to spend 8 hours reading or 7 days without relaxation time. Never compromise your mental health – “breakdowns” will hurt your ability to finish strong and are bad for you in general! Take work seriously but laugh at yourself. Remind yourself that it is OK not to be perfect – Ask questions, do your best, and forgive yourself when things don’t turn out the way you would want them to!