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Helpful hints for managing time

Managing time is one aspect of managing yourself

Would any of these suggestions be helpful to you?
Mark the ones you'd like to remember, then print the page.

Take time to plan

Set up a daily routine, with definite times for routine matters

Fix definite times when you don't want to be disturbed, and tell other people when these are
Make sure you know exactly what you're meant to be doing and ask for clarification where necessary
Concentrate on the most important work
Attend to minor things when you can't cope with anything major
Say 'no' if people try to distract you while you're working
Begin as early as possible
Split work into small units so that progress is visible
Don't put off important but unpleasant or difficult work
Work in an environment where you feel comfortable
Avoid interrupting yourself: jot down a suddenly remembered idea for attention later
Keep plans and schedules in one visible and accessible location
Periodically record and analyse your use of time (see time logs)
Be specific about your tasks: rather than saying 'Read', say 'Read Ch 2 of XX'
Be realistic about the time you have. You can't fit a quart into a pint pot!
Draw up a weekly schedule of activities
Divide your time into worthwhile chunks
Do one thing at a time, while keeping an overview of the next jobs
Try to complete at least one major task per day
Undertake important and difficult tasks when you're at your best
Arrange breaks at times when you work less efficiently
Set time limits for tasks and stick to them: things take the time set aside for them
Do jobs of a similar type in sequence
Put off all that is unimportant
Prepare for work by having all you need at hand
Do things adequately well, rather than aiming for perfection; if time permits you can always go back and improve
Rest and relax before it becomes necessary
Keep ideas in one place, so that you can access them when you need them
Think first, then act. Then when your goal is clear, do something about it straight away
Don't try to study for too long at a stretch. Aim for 50 mins, then 10 mins break; with blocks of no more than 3 x 50mins, and a maximum of 6 x 50 mins per day
Address any issues – eg lack of motivation or anxiety – that make it difficult for you to use your time effectively.  See Overcoming obstacles to effective study in ‘Being a student’ on this web site.

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Page last updated Tuesday 18 January 2011 at 06:58:31 PM
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