TIME MANAGEMENT

When you think about it – TIME is one of your most valuable resources we have! So why is it so easy to waste time without realizing it? Since we can’t make more hours in the day- we need to be more efficient about the way we choose to spend our time. This month we are focusing on time management – here are some tips for taking control of your time and better organizing your life.

Top 10 Strategies for Managing your TIME

1. Make “TO DO” List Every Day. Whether you use your planner, a progress report sheet, or notebook paper, making lists is a great way to stay organized and get all your daily tasks done on time – it is also a great way to track your progress in completing tasks.
2. Use Spare Time Wisely. Why waste time waiting on the bus or for your brother to get ready for the movies – use that extra 15 minutes to review your class notes, read a book, make a list!
3. It’s OK to say “No”. If your boss asks you to work late Sunday night and you have a test Monday morning – it is OK to say no. Part of organizing your time is learning to prioritize your activities – being a student is your “full time job” - it should be a top priority.
4. Find the Right Time. Some people work more efficiently right after school; some prefer to study before they go to bed. Pay attention to your energy levels throughout the day and find the best time for YOU to do certain activities – then plan accordingly!
5. Review Your Notes Everyday! You’ll reinforce what you learned in class that day, so you will need to study less! You will be better prepared to answer when the teacher gives the next pop quiz.
6. Get a Good Night’s Sleep. Most people need at least 7 or 8 hours a sleep a night! Going on less can make any task feel draining – showing up for school well rested will make your day a lot more pleasant!
7. Communicate Your Schedule to Others. If the phone ringing during your study time is distracting, let your friends know you would prefer them to call after 7pm. It sounds silly but it helps!
8. Become a Taskmaster. Figure out how much time you need each week to do certain tasks and plan accordingly. Give yourself a time budget so that you can plan for activities that are important to you.
9. Don’t Waste Time Agonizing. Have you ever wasted a whole evening worrying about something you have to do – rather than doing it? Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, JUST DO IT!
10. Keep Things in Perspective. Setting goals that are unrealistic will set you up for failure and add to your frustration. While it’s good to set high goals, be sure not to overdue it. Set goals that are difficult but reachable.

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