The A B Cs (and Ds) of Time Management

One of the most common challenges students face is time management. Simply keeping track of commitments from multiple courses, extracurricular activities, family obligations, and paid employment can feel like a full time job in and of itself.

I'd like to share four simple time management principles* with you, intended to get you on track and keep you there.

A is for "Anticipate & Plan"
To effectively manage your time and commitments, make friends with some kind of calendar system. Low-tech or high-tech is up to you, the important thing is that it is portable! Log your deadlines, tasks, and commitments on the calendar. Block off time for studying, commuting, and relaxing in addition to blocking off time for classes and meetings. Keep your calendar up-to-date and refer to it often, so you are never surprised by a commitment or deadline.

B is for "Break it Down"
When faced with a complex task, try to disaggregate it into smaller, more manageable chunks. Think about a logical order for completing each smaller parts, and create a timeline for yourself that builds in time to work on each part. For example, do not simply schedule time on your calendar to "write psychology paper." Consider that to effectively complete the paper, you will need to do library research, generate a thesis statement, write an outline and a draft, and edit the draft into its final version. On your schedule, include a realistic amount of time for you to work on each piece of this larger project.

C is for "Cross it Off"
As you meet your goals and complete tasks, reward yourself by crossing them off of your to-do list. Creating a to-do list not only makes you aware of what you need to accomplish, it can also offer a psychological boost as you cross items off. You can see your progress, really see how much you have done.

D is for "Don't Procrastinate"
"Trying to catch up on time management is like trying to catch up on sleep - it's almost impossible to do" (Nist-Olejnick and Holschuh 2007: 78). Small spans of wasted time can really add up, with adverse consequences for your schoolwork, your activities, your health, and your sanity. If you make time management a way of life, you will be less stressed and get more accomplished. Take care of business first, then party.



*I learned these principles from Sherrie Nist-Olejnik and Jodi Patrick Holschuh's excellent book College Rules! How to Study, Survive, and Succeed in College, Second Edition. (2007) Berkeley: Ten Speed Press. p. 77 - 85. This book should basically be required reading for all undergraduates, as it is chock full of wonderful advice on study skills, interpersonal skills, and life skills. Honestly, much of it is also applicable to grad students and professional students as well. Check it out on Amazon.com!