{"id":189,"date":"2019-05-03T18:56:05","date_gmt":"2019-05-03T22:56:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/abestudentsuccess\/chapter\/strategies\/"},"modified":"2020-09-11T13:14:43","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T17:14:43","slug":"strategies","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/chapter\/strategies\/","title":{"raw":"7.1 Strategies","rendered":"7.1 Strategies"},"content":{"raw":"<h1>Time Management Strategies for Success<\/h1>\r\nFollowing are some strategies you can begin using immediately to make the most of your time:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Prepare to be successful.<\/strong> When planning ahead for studying, think yourself into the right mood. Focus on the positive. \u201cWhen I get these chapters read tonight, I\u2019ll be ahead in studying for the next test, and I\u2019ll also have plenty of time tomorrow to do X.\u201d <em class=\"emphasis\">Visualize<\/em> yourself studying well!<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Use your best\u2014and most appropriate\u2014time of day.<\/strong> Different tasks require different mental skills. Some kinds of studying you may be able to start first thing in the morning as you wake, while others need your most alert moments at another time - whatever those times are for you.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Break up large projects into small pieces.<\/strong> Whether it\u2019s writing a paper for class, studying for a final exam, or reading a long assignment or full book, students often feel daunted at the beginning of a large project. It\u2019s easier to get going if you break it up into stages that you schedule at separate times\u2014and then begin with the first section that requires only an hour or two.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Do the most important studying first.<\/strong> When two or more things require your attention, do the more crucial one first. If something happens and you can\u2019t complete everything, you\u2019ll suffer less if the most crucial work is done.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">If you have trouble getting started, do an easier task first.<\/strong> Like large tasks, complex or difficult ones can be daunting. If you can\u2019t get going, switch to an easier task you can accomplish quickly. That will give you momentum, and often you feel more confident tackling the difficult task after being successful in the first one.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">If you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed and stressed because you have too much to do, revisit your time planner.<\/strong> Sometimes it\u2019s hard to get started if you keep thinking about other things you need to get done. Review your schedule for the next few days and make sure everything important is scheduled, then relax and concentrate on the task at hand.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">If you\u2019re really floundering, talk to someone.<\/strong> Maybe you just don\u2019t understand what you should be doing. Talk with your instructor or another student in the class to get back on track.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Take a break.<\/strong> We all need breaks to help us concentrate without becoming fatigued and burned out. As a general rule, a short break every hour or so is effective in helping recharge your study energy. Get up and move around to get your blood flowing, clear your thoughts, and work off stress.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_185\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"500\"]<img class=\"wp-image-185\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A woman mountain biking in the fall in forest with mountain range behind\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/> Taking a well deserved strategic break can clear your head and inspire creative thought.[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Use unscheduled times to work ahead.<\/strong> You\u2019ve scheduled that hundred pages of reading for later today, but you have the textbook with you as you\u2019re waiting for the bus. Start reading now, or flip through the chapter to get a sense of what you\u2019ll be reading later. Either way, you\u2019ll save time later. You may be amazed how much studying you can get done during down times throughout the day.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Keep your momentum.<\/strong> Prevent distractions, such as multi-tasking, that will only slow you down. Check for messages, for example, only at scheduled break times.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2037\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"437\"]<img class=\"wp-image-2037\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/accessibilitytoolkit\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/Celebrate-Success-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"People jumping into the air in excitement\" width=\"437\" height=\"292\" \/> Celebrate when you finish a test or assignment![\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Reward yourself.<\/strong> It\u2019s not easy to sit still for hours of studying. When you successfully complete a task, you should feel good and deserve a small reward. A healthy snack, a quick video game session, or social activity can help you feel even better about your successful use of time.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Just say no.<\/strong> Always tell others nearby when you\u2019re studying, to reduce the chances of being interrupted. Still, interruptions happen, and if you are in a situation where you are frequently interrupted by a family member, spouse, roommate, or friend, it helps to have your \u201cno\u201d prepared in advance: \u201cNo, I <em class=\"emphasis\">really<\/em> have to be ready for this test\u201d or \u201cThat\u2019s a great idea, but let\u2019s do it tomorrow\u2014I <em class=\"emphasis\">just can\u2019t<\/em> today.\u201d You shouldn\u2019t feel bad about saying no\u2014especially if you told that person in advance that you needed to study.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Have a life.<\/strong> Never schedule your day or week so full of work and study that you have no time at all for yourself, your family and friends, and your larger life.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Take inventory.<\/strong> Pay attention to where your time goes. What do you spend your time doing? What things could be cut out in order to make space for studies?<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Use a calendar planner and daily to-do list.<\/strong> We\u2019ll look at these time management tools in the next section.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Use technology to your advantage.<\/strong> Software and apps are available to help with organization and productivity. They can save you heaps of time. Check out Evernote, One Note, Stickies, Todoist, and Remember the Milk.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1>Battling Procrastination<\/h1>\r\nProcrastination is a way of thinking that lets one put off doing something that should be done now. This can happen to anyone at any time. It\u2019s like a voice inside your head keeps coming up with these brilliant ideas for things to do right now other than studying: \u201cI really ought to get this room cleaned up before I study\u201d or \u201cI can study anytime, but tonight\u2019s the only chance I have to do X.\u201d That voice is also very good at rationalizing: \u201cI really don\u2019t need to read that chapter now; I\u2019ll have plenty of time tomorrow at lunch.\u2026\u201d\r\n\r\nWatch this one minute video which demonstrates just how ridiculous procrastination is.\r\n\r\n<strong>Video<\/strong>: \"'Procrastination' Tales of Mere Existence\" (length 1:21)\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4P785j15Tzk\r\n\r\nProcrastination is very powerful. Some people battle it daily, others only occasionally. Most university students procrastinate often, and about half say they need help avoiding procrastination. Procrastination can threaten one\u2019s ability to do well on an assignment or test.\r\n\r\nPeople procrastinate for different reasons. Some people are too relaxed in their priorities, seldom worry, and easily put off responsibilities. Others worry constantly, and that stress keeps them from focusing on the task at hand. Some procrastinate because they fear failure; others procrastinate because they fear success or are so perfectionistic that they don\u2019t want to let themselves down. Some are dreamers. Many different factors are involved, and there are different styles of procrastinating.\r\n\r\nJust as there are different causes, there are different possible solutions for procrastination. Different strategies work for different people. The time management strategies described earlier can help you avoid procrastination. Because this is a psychological issue, some additional psychological strategies can also help:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Since procrastination is usually a habit, accept that and work on breaking it as you would any other bad habit: one day at a time. Know that every time you overcome feelings of procrastination, the habit becomes weaker\u2014and eventually you\u2019ll have a new habit of being able to start studying right away.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Schedule times for studying using a daily or weekly planner. Carry it with you and look at it often. Just being aware of the time and what you need to do today can help you get organized and stay on track (see next section).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>If you keep thinking of something else you might forget to do later (making you feel like you \u201cmust\u201d do it now), write yourself a note about it for later and get it out of your mind.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Counter a negative with a positive. If you\u2019re procrastinating because you\u2019re not looking forward to a certain task, try to think of the positive future results of doing the work.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Counter a negative with a worse negative. If thinking about the positive results of completing the task doesn\u2019t motivate you to get started, think about what could happen if you keep procrastinating. You\u2019ll have to study tomorrow instead of doing something fun you had planned. Or you could fail the test. Some people can jolt themselves right out of procrastination.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>On the other hand, fear causes procrastination in some people\u2014so don\u2019t dwell on the thought of failing. If you\u2019re studying for a test, and you\u2019re so afraid of failing it that you can\u2019t focus on studying and you start procrastinating, try to put things in perspective. Even if it\u2019s your most difficult class and you don\u2019t understand <em class=\"emphasis\">everything<\/em> about the topic, that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll fail, even if you may not receive an A or a B.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Study with a motivated friend. Form a study group with other students who are motivated and won\u2019t procrastinate along with you. You\u2019ll learn good habits from them while getting the work done now.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Keep a study journal. At least once a day write an entry about how you have used your time and whether you succeeded with your schedule for the day. If not, identify what factors kept you from doing your work. (Use the form at the end of this chapter.) This journal will help you see your own habits and distractions so that you can avoid things that lead to procrastination.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Get help. If you really can\u2019t stay on track with your study schedule, or if you\u2019re always putting things off until the last minute, see an education advisor. They have lots of experience with this common student problem and can help you find ways to overcome this habit.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Video<\/strong>: \"Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator\" (length 14:03)\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/tim_urban_inside_the_mind_of_a_master_procrastinator?utm_campaign=tedspread&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=tedcomshare\r\n<h1>Time Management Tips for Students Who Work<\/h1>\r\nIf you\u2019re both working and taking classes, you seldom have large blocks of free time. Avoid temptations to stay up very late studying, for losing sleep can lead to a downward spiral in performance at both work and school. Instead, try to follow these guidelines:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>If possible, adjust your work or sleep hours so that you don\u2019t spend your most productive times at work. If your job offers flex time, arrange your schedule to be free to study at times when you perform best.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Try to arrange your class and work schedules to minimize commuting time. If you are a part-time student taking two classes, taking classes back-to-back two or three days a week uses less time than spreading them out over four or five days. Working four ten-hour days rather than five eight-hour days reduces time lost to travel, getting ready for work, and so on.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>If you can\u2019t arrange an effective schedule for classes and work, consider online courses that allow you to do most of the work on your own time.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use your daily and weekly planner conscientiously. Any time you have thirty minutes or more free, schedule a study activity.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Consider your \u201cbody clock\u201d when you schedule activities. Plan easier tasks for those times when you\u2019re often fatigued and reserve alert times for more demanding tasks.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Look for any \u201chidden\u201d time potentials. Maybe you prefer the thirty-minute drive to work over a forty-five-minute train ride. But if you can read on the train, that\u2019s a gain of ninety minutes every day at the cost of thirty minutes longer travel time. An hour a day can make a huge difference in your studies.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Can you do quick study tasks during slow times at work? Take your class notes with you and use even five minutes of free time wisely.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Remember your long-term goals. You need to work, but you also want to finish your university program. If you have the opportunity to volunteer for some overtime, consider whether it\u2019s really worth it. Sure, the extra money would help, but could the extra time put you at risk for not doing well in your classes?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Be as organized on the job as you are academically. Use your planner and to-do list for work matters, too. The better organized you are at work, the less stress you\u2019ll feel\u2014and the more successful you\u2019ll be as a student also.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>If you have a family as well as a job, your time is even more limited. In addition to the previous tips, try some of the strategies that follow.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1>Time Management Tips for Students with Family<\/h1>\r\nLiving with family members often introduces additional time stresses. You may have family obligations that require careful time management. Use all the strategies described earlier, including family time in your daily plans the same way that you would include hours spent at work. Don\u2019t assume that you\u2019ll be \u201cfree\u201d every hour you\u2019re home, because family events or a family member\u2019s need for your assistance may occur at unexpected times. Schedule your important academic work well ahead and in blocks of time you control. See also the earlier suggestions for controlling your space: you may need to use the library or another space to ensure you are not interrupted or distracted during important study times.\r\n\r\nStudents with their own families are likely to feel time pressures. After all, you can\u2019t just tell your partner or kids that you\u2019ll see them in a couple of years when you\u2019re not so busy with job and university! In addition to all the planning and study strategies discussed so far, you also need to manage your family relationships and time spent with family. While there\u2019s no magical solution for making more hours in the day, even with this added time pressure there are ways to balance your life well:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Talk everything over with your family. If you\u2019re going back to school, your family members may not have realized changes will occur. Don\u2019t let them be shocked by sudden household changes. Keep communication lines open so that your partner and children feel they\u2019re together with you in this new adventure. Eventually you will need their support.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Work to enjoy your time together, whatever you\u2019re doing. You may not have as much time together as previously, but cherish the time you do have\u2014even if it\u2019s washing dishes together or cleaning house. If you\u2019ve been studying for two hours and need a break, spend the next ten minutes with family instead of checking email or watching television. Ultimately, the important thing is <em class=\"emphasis\">being together<\/em>, not going out to movies or dinners or the special things you used to do when you had more time. Look forward to being with family and appreciate every moment you are together, and they will share your attitude.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_187\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]<img class=\"wp-image-187 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/accessibilitytoolkit\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/Bruno-Nascimento-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"A mother and her young son\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/> Precious family time. Balance it wisely with study time[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCombine activities to get the most out of time. Don\u2019t let your children watch television or play video games off by themselves while you\u2019re cooking dinner, or you may find you have only twenty minutes family time together while eating. Instead, bring the family together in the kitchen and give everyone something to do. You can have a lot of fun together and share the day\u2019s experiences, and you won\u2019t feel so bad then if you have to go off and study by yourself.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Share the load. Even children who are very young can help with household chores to give you more time. Attitude is everything: try to make it fun, the whole family pulling together\u2014not something they \u201chave\u201d to do and may resent, just because Mom or Dad went back to school. (Remember, your kids will reach university age someday, and you want them to have a good attitude about university.) As they get older, they can do their own laundry, cook meals, and get themselves off to school, and older teens can run errands and do the grocery shopping. They will gain in the process by becoming more responsible and independent.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Schedule your study time based on family activities. If you face interruptions from young children in the early evening, use that time for something simple like reviewing class notes. When you need more quiet time for concentrated reading, wait until they\u2019ve gone to bed.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Be creative with child care. Usually options are available, possibly involving extended family members, sitters, older siblings, cooperative child care with other adult students, as well as child-care centres. After a certain age, you can take your child along to campus when you attend an evening course, if there is somewhere the child can quietly read. At home, let your child have a friend over to play with. Network with other older students and learn what has worked for them. Explore all possibilities to ensure you have time to meet your educational goals.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1>Time Management Tips for Student Athletes<\/h1>\r\nStudent athletes often face unique time pressures because of the amount of time required for training, practice, and competition. During some parts of the year, athletics may involve as many hours as a full-time job. The athletic schedule can be grueling, involving weekend travel and intensive blocks of time. You can be exhausted after workouts or competitions, affecting how well you can concentrate on studies thereafter. Students on athletic scholarships often feel their sport is their most important reason for being in university, and this priority can affect their attitudes toward studying. For all of these reasons, student athletes face special time management challenges. Here are some tips for succeeding in both your sport and academics:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Realize that even if your sport is more important to you, you risk everything if you don\u2019t also succeed in your academics. Failing one class in your first year won\u2019t get you kicked out, but you\u2019ll have to make up that class\u2014and you\u2019ll end up spending more time on the subject than if you\u2019d studied more to pass it the first time.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>It\u2019s critical to plan ahead. If you have a big test or a paper due the Monday after a big weekend game, start early. Use your weekly planner to plan well in advance, making it a goal, for example, to have the paper done by Friday\u2014instead of thinking you can magically get it done Sunday night after victory celebrations. Working ahead will also free your mind to focus better on your sport.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Accept that you have two priorities\u2014your sport and your classes\u2014and that both come before your social life. That\u2019s just how it is\u2014what you have accepted in your choice to be a university athlete. If it helps, think of your classes as your job; you have to \u201cgo to study\u201d the same as others \u201cgo to work.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use your planner to take advantage of any downtime you have during the day between classes and at lunch. Other students may seem to have the luxury of studying during much of the afternoon when you\u2019re at practice, and maybe they can get away with hanging out between classes, but you don\u2019t have that time available, at least not during the season. You need to use all the time you can find to keep up with your studying.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Stay on top of your courses. If you allow yourself to start slipping behind, maybe telling yourself you\u2019ll have more time later on to catch up, just the opposite will happen. Once you get behind, you\u2019ll lose momentum and find it more difficult to understand what\u2019s going on in class. Eventually the stress will affect your athletic performance also.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Get help when you need it. Many athletic departments offer tutoring services or referrals for extra help. But don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re at risk for failing a class before seeking help. A tutor won\u2019t take your test or write your paper for you\u2014they can only help you focus in to use your time productively in your studies. You still have to want to succeed.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2900\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"425\"]<img class=\" wp-image-2900\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/accessibilitytoolkit\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/biking-down-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"319\" \/> Using free time wisely[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1>Managing Free Time<\/h1>\r\n<div class=\"chapter-three:-time-management-reality\">\r\n\r\nLaura Vanderkam's TED Talk helps with perspective on free time.\r\n\r\n<strong>Video:<\/strong> \"How to Gain Control of Your Free Time\" (length 11:53)<em>\r\n<\/em>\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/laura_vanderkam_how_to_gain_control_of_your_free_time\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">You must make time for the things that are most important to you. In order to make time, you may need to decide you will not do something else.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The ability to say \u201cno\u201d cannot be underestimated. It isn\u2019t easy to say \u201cno,\u201d especially to family, friends and people that like you and whom you like. Most of us don\u2019t want to say \u201cno,\u201d especially when we want to help. But if we always do what others want, we give others the power to control our lives, and we won\u2019t accomplish the things that we want\u2014the things that are most important to us.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Ask yourself:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">What am I doing that doesn't need to be done?<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">What can I do more efficiently?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Have you ever ordered an appetizer, salad, beverage or bread, then felt full halfway through your entree? In situations like this many people claim, \u201cmy eyes were bigger than my stomach.\u201d This is also true with planning and goal setting. It may be that your plan is bigger than the day. Experiment with what you want to accomplish and what is realistic. The better you can accurately predict what you can and will accomplish and how long it will take, the better you can plan, and the more successful you will be.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Exercise: Time Management Strategies<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Research some software and apps that can help you with time management either by helping you be more organized (e.g. planning calendars with reminder notifications) or by saving time on course work (e.g. Evernote to help keep notes organized). Pick one or more that you think would be useful for your courses and try it out. Is it one that you will continue to use? Why or why not?<\/div>\r\n<div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>To develop strategies for managing your time, take an inventory of the things you spend your time on, and be realistic about how much time you can carve out for your studies.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Plan your schedule with two hours of additional study time for each hour in class. Use your most alert times of day, break up large tasks into smaller pieces and stages, take breaks to help you stay focused, avoid distractions, and reward yourself for successful accomplishments.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Procrastination has many different causes for different people but is a problem for most students. Different techniques can help you battle procrastination so you can get the job done.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use a semester calendar planner to mark out the big things on your schedule at a glance: exams, tests, important events, assignment deadlines.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use a weekly calendar planner to block out study times and plan well ahead for examinations and key assignments to achieve success in school.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use a daily to-do list along with your weekly planner to avoid overlooking even smaller tasks and to make the most of your time throughout the day.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Students who work, live with family, or are athletes often face significant time pressures and must make a special effort to stay organized and plan ahead for efficient studying.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<h3>Text Attributions<\/h3>\r\nThis chapter is remixed from the following sources:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>\"<a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/universitysuccess\/chapter\/2-3-organizing-your-time\/\">Organizing Your Time<\/a>\" in <em>University Success<\/em>\u00a0by N. Mahoney, B. Klassen, and M. D'Eon. <a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\"<a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/press.rebus.community\/blueprint2\/chapter\/16-time-management-reality\/\">Time Management Reality<\/a>\" in <em>Blueprint for Success in College and Career<\/em> by <a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Video Attributions<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>\"<a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4P785j15Tzk\">'Procrastination' Tales of Mere Existence<\/a>\" by AgentXPQ. Standard YouTube Licence.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/tim_urban_inside_the_mind_of_a_master_procrastinator?utm_campaign=tedspread&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=tedcomshare\">Tim Urban: Inside the Mind of a Procrastinator<\/a>\" by TED. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/about\/our-organization\/our-policies-terms\/ted-talks-usage-policy\">CC BY-NC-ND<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/laura_vanderkam_how_to_gain_control_of_your_free_time\">Laura Vanderkam: How to Gain Control of Your Free Time<\/a>\" by TED. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/about\/our-organization\/our-policies-terms\/ted-talks-usage-policy\">CC BY-NC-ND<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rendered":"<h1>Time Management Strategies for Success<\/h1>\n<p>Following are some strategies you can begin using immediately to make the most of your time:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Prepare to be successful.<\/strong> When planning ahead for studying, think yourself into the right mood. Focus on the positive. \u201cWhen I get these chapters read tonight, I\u2019ll be ahead in studying for the next test, and I\u2019ll also have plenty of time tomorrow to do X.\u201d <em class=\"emphasis\">Visualize<\/em> yourself studying well!<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Use your best\u2014and most appropriate\u2014time of day.<\/strong> Different tasks require different mental skills. Some kinds of studying you may be able to start first thing in the morning as you wake, while others need your most alert moments at another time &#8211; whatever those times are for you.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Break up large projects into small pieces.<\/strong> Whether it\u2019s writing a paper for class, studying for a final exam, or reading a long assignment or full book, students often feel daunted at the beginning of a large project. It\u2019s easier to get going if you break it up into stages that you schedule at separate times\u2014and then begin with the first section that requires only an hour or two.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Do the most important studying first.<\/strong> When two or more things require your attention, do the more crucial one first. If something happens and you can\u2019t complete everything, you\u2019ll suffer less if the most crucial work is done.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">If you have trouble getting started, do an easier task first.<\/strong> Like large tasks, complex or difficult ones can be daunting. If you can\u2019t get going, switch to an easier task you can accomplish quickly. That will give you momentum, and often you feel more confident tackling the difficult task after being successful in the first one.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">If you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed and stressed because you have too much to do, revisit your time planner.<\/strong> Sometimes it\u2019s hard to get started if you keep thinking about other things you need to get done. Review your schedule for the next few days and make sure everything important is scheduled, then relax and concentrate on the task at hand.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">If you\u2019re really floundering, talk to someone.<\/strong> Maybe you just don\u2019t understand what you should be doing. Talk with your instructor or another student in the class to get back on track.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Take a break.<\/strong> We all need breaks to help us concentrate without becoming fatigued and burned out. As a general rule, a short break every hour or so is effective in helping recharge your study energy. Get up and move around to get your blood flowing, clear your thoughts, and work off stress.<br \/>\n<figure id=\"attachment_185\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-185\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-185\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A woman mountain biking in the fall in forest with mountain range behind\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-65x49.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-225x169.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2019\/07\/Sher-riding-Montane-350x263.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-185\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taking a well deserved strategic break can clear your head and inspire creative thought.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Use unscheduled times to work ahead.<\/strong> You\u2019ve scheduled that hundred pages of reading for later today, but you have the textbook with you as you\u2019re waiting for the bus. Start reading now, or flip through the chapter to get a sense of what you\u2019ll be reading later. Either way, you\u2019ll save time later. You may be amazed how much studying you can get done during down times throughout the day.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Keep your momentum.<\/strong> Prevent distractions, such as multi-tasking, that will only slow you down. Check for messages, for example, only at scheduled break times.<br \/>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2037\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2037\" style=\"width: 437px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2037\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/accessibilitytoolkit\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/Celebrate-Success-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"People jumping into the air in excitement\" width=\"437\" height=\"292\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2037\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Celebrate when you finish a test or assignment!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Reward yourself.<\/strong> It\u2019s not easy to sit still for hours of studying. When you successfully complete a task, you should feel good and deserve a small reward. A healthy snack, a quick video game session, or social activity can help you feel even better about your successful use of time.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Just say no.<\/strong> Always tell others nearby when you\u2019re studying, to reduce the chances of being interrupted. Still, interruptions happen, and if you are in a situation where you are frequently interrupted by a family member, spouse, roommate, or friend, it helps to have your \u201cno\u201d prepared in advance: \u201cNo, I <em class=\"emphasis\">really<\/em> have to be ready for this test\u201d or \u201cThat\u2019s a great idea, but let\u2019s do it tomorrow\u2014I <em class=\"emphasis\">just can\u2019t<\/em> today.\u201d You shouldn\u2019t feel bad about saying no\u2014especially if you told that person in advance that you needed to study.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Have a life.<\/strong> Never schedule your day or week so full of work and study that you have no time at all for yourself, your family and friends, and your larger life.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Take inventory.<\/strong> Pay attention to where your time goes. What do you spend your time doing? What things could be cut out in order to make space for studies?<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Use a calendar planner and daily to-do list.<\/strong> We\u2019ll look at these time management tools in the next section.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use technology to your advantage.<\/strong> Software and apps are available to help with organization and productivity. They can save you heaps of time. Check out Evernote, One Note, Stickies, Todoist, and Remember the Milk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Battling Procrastination<\/h1>\n<p>Procrastination is a way of thinking that lets one put off doing something that should be done now. This can happen to anyone at any time. It\u2019s like a voice inside your head keeps coming up with these brilliant ideas for things to do right now other than studying: \u201cI really ought to get this room cleaned up before I study\u201d or \u201cI can study anytime, but tonight\u2019s the only chance I have to do X.\u201d That voice is also very good at rationalizing: \u201cI really don\u2019t need to read that chapter now; I\u2019ll have plenty of time tomorrow at lunch.\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Watch this one minute video which demonstrates just how ridiculous procrastination is.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Video<\/strong>: &#8220;&#8216;Procrastination&#8217; Tales of Mere Existence&#8221; (length 1:21)<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-1\" title=\"&quot;Procrastination&quot; Tales Of Mere Existence\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4P785j15Tzk?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Procrastination is very powerful. Some people battle it daily, others only occasionally. Most university students procrastinate often, and about half say they need help avoiding procrastination. Procrastination can threaten one\u2019s ability to do well on an assignment or test.<\/p>\n<p>People procrastinate for different reasons. Some people are too relaxed in their priorities, seldom worry, and easily put off responsibilities. Others worry constantly, and that stress keeps them from focusing on the task at hand. Some procrastinate because they fear failure; others procrastinate because they fear success or are so perfectionistic that they don\u2019t want to let themselves down. Some are dreamers. Many different factors are involved, and there are different styles of procrastinating.<\/p>\n<p>Just as there are different causes, there are different possible solutions for procrastination. Different strategies work for different people. The time management strategies described earlier can help you avoid procrastination. Because this is a psychological issue, some additional psychological strategies can also help:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Since procrastination is usually a habit, accept that and work on breaking it as you would any other bad habit: one day at a time. Know that every time you overcome feelings of procrastination, the habit becomes weaker\u2014and eventually you\u2019ll have a new habit of being able to start studying right away.<\/li>\n<li>Schedule times for studying using a daily or weekly planner. Carry it with you and look at it often. Just being aware of the time and what you need to do today can help you get organized and stay on track (see next section).<\/li>\n<li>If you keep thinking of something else you might forget to do later (making you feel like you \u201cmust\u201d do it now), write yourself a note about it for later and get it out of your mind.<\/li>\n<li>Counter a negative with a positive. If you\u2019re procrastinating because you\u2019re not looking forward to a certain task, try to think of the positive future results of doing the work.<\/li>\n<li>Counter a negative with a worse negative. If thinking about the positive results of completing the task doesn\u2019t motivate you to get started, think about what could happen if you keep procrastinating. You\u2019ll have to study tomorrow instead of doing something fun you had planned. Or you could fail the test. Some people can jolt themselves right out of procrastination.<\/li>\n<li>On the other hand, fear causes procrastination in some people\u2014so don\u2019t dwell on the thought of failing. If you\u2019re studying for a test, and you\u2019re so afraid of failing it that you can\u2019t focus on studying and you start procrastinating, try to put things in perspective. Even if it\u2019s your most difficult class and you don\u2019t understand <em class=\"emphasis\">everything<\/em> about the topic, that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll fail, even if you may not receive an A or a B.<\/li>\n<li>Study with a motivated friend. Form a study group with other students who are motivated and won\u2019t procrastinate along with you. You\u2019ll learn good habits from them while getting the work done now.<\/li>\n<li>Keep a study journal. At least once a day write an entry about how you have used your time and whether you succeeded with your schedule for the day. If not, identify what factors kept you from doing your work. (Use the form at the end of this chapter.) This journal will help you see your own habits and distractions so that you can avoid things that lead to procrastination.<\/li>\n<li>Get help. If you really can\u2019t stay on track with your study schedule, or if you\u2019re always putting things off until the last minute, see an education advisor. They have lots of experience with this common student problem and can help you find ways to overcome this habit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Video<\/strong>: &#8220;Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator&#8221; (length 14:03)<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-2\" title=\"Tim Urban: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator\" src=\"https:\/\/embed.ted.com\/talks\/tim_urban_inside_the_mind_of_a_master_procrastinator\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h1>Time Management Tips for Students Who Work<\/h1>\n<p>If you\u2019re both working and taking classes, you seldom have large blocks of free time. Avoid temptations to stay up very late studying, for losing sleep can lead to a downward spiral in performance at both work and school. Instead, try to follow these guidelines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If possible, adjust your work or sleep hours so that you don\u2019t spend your most productive times at work. If your job offers flex time, arrange your schedule to be free to study at times when you perform best.<\/li>\n<li>Try to arrange your class and work schedules to minimize commuting time. If you are a part-time student taking two classes, taking classes back-to-back two or three days a week uses less time than spreading them out over four or five days. Working four ten-hour days rather than five eight-hour days reduces time lost to travel, getting ready for work, and so on.<\/li>\n<li>If you can\u2019t arrange an effective schedule for classes and work, consider online courses that allow you to do most of the work on your own time.<\/li>\n<li>Use your daily and weekly planner conscientiously. Any time you have thirty minutes or more free, schedule a study activity.<\/li>\n<li>Consider your \u201cbody clock\u201d when you schedule activities. Plan easier tasks for those times when you\u2019re often fatigued and reserve alert times for more demanding tasks.<\/li>\n<li>Look for any \u201chidden\u201d time potentials. Maybe you prefer the thirty-minute drive to work over a forty-five-minute train ride. But if you can read on the train, that\u2019s a gain of ninety minutes every day at the cost of thirty minutes longer travel time. An hour a day can make a huge difference in your studies.<\/li>\n<li>Can you do quick study tasks during slow times at work? Take your class notes with you and use even five minutes of free time wisely.<\/li>\n<li>Remember your long-term goals. You need to work, but you also want to finish your university program. If you have the opportunity to volunteer for some overtime, consider whether it\u2019s really worth it. Sure, the extra money would help, but could the extra time put you at risk for not doing well in your classes?<\/li>\n<li>Be as organized on the job as you are academically. Use your planner and to-do list for work matters, too. The better organized you are at work, the less stress you\u2019ll feel\u2014and the more successful you\u2019ll be as a student also.<\/li>\n<li>If you have a family as well as a job, your time is even more limited. In addition to the previous tips, try some of the strategies that follow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Time Management Tips for Students with Family<\/h1>\n<p>Living with family members often introduces additional time stresses. You may have family obligations that require careful time management. Use all the strategies described earlier, including family time in your daily plans the same way that you would include hours spent at work. Don\u2019t assume that you\u2019ll be \u201cfree\u201d every hour you\u2019re home, because family events or a family member\u2019s need for your assistance may occur at unexpected times. Schedule your important academic work well ahead and in blocks of time you control. See also the earlier suggestions for controlling your space: you may need to use the library or another space to ensure you are not interrupted or distracted during important study times.<\/p>\n<p>Students with their own families are likely to feel time pressures. After all, you can\u2019t just tell your partner or kids that you\u2019ll see them in a couple of years when you\u2019re not so busy with job and university! In addition to all the planning and study strategies discussed so far, you also need to manage your family relationships and time spent with family. While there\u2019s no magical solution for making more hours in the day, even with this added time pressure there are ways to balance your life well:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Talk everything over with your family. If you\u2019re going back to school, your family members may not have realized changes will occur. Don\u2019t let them be shocked by sudden household changes. Keep communication lines open so that your partner and children feel they\u2019re together with you in this new adventure. Eventually you will need their support.<\/li>\n<li>Work to enjoy your time together, whatever you\u2019re doing. You may not have as much time together as previously, but cherish the time you do have\u2014even if it\u2019s washing dishes together or cleaning house. If you\u2019ve been studying for two hours and need a break, spend the next ten minutes with family instead of checking email or watching television. Ultimately, the important thing is <em class=\"emphasis\">being together<\/em>, not going out to movies or dinners or the special things you used to do when you had more time. Look forward to being with family and appreciate every moment you are together, and they will share your attitude.<\/li>\n<li>\n<figure id=\"attachment_187\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-187\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-187 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/accessibilitytoolkit\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/Bruno-Nascimento-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"A mother and her young son\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/Bruno-Nascimento-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/Bruno-Nascimento-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/Bruno-Nascimento-65x43.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/Bruno-Nascimento-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/Bruno-Nascimento-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/Bruno-Nascimento.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-187\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Precious family time. Balance it wisely with study time<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Combine activities to get the most out of time. Don\u2019t let your children watch television or play video games off by themselves while you\u2019re cooking dinner, or you may find you have only twenty minutes family time together while eating. Instead, bring the family together in the kitchen and give everyone something to do. You can have a lot of fun together and share the day\u2019s experiences, and you won\u2019t feel so bad then if you have to go off and study by yourself.<\/li>\n<li>Share the load. Even children who are very young can help with household chores to give you more time. Attitude is everything: try to make it fun, the whole family pulling together\u2014not something they \u201chave\u201d to do and may resent, just because Mom or Dad went back to school. (Remember, your kids will reach university age someday, and you want them to have a good attitude about university.) As they get older, they can do their own laundry, cook meals, and get themselves off to school, and older teens can run errands and do the grocery shopping. They will gain in the process by becoming more responsible and independent.<\/li>\n<li>Schedule your study time based on family activities. If you face interruptions from young children in the early evening, use that time for something simple like reviewing class notes. When you need more quiet time for concentrated reading, wait until they\u2019ve gone to bed.<\/li>\n<li>Be creative with child care. Usually options are available, possibly involving extended family members, sitters, older siblings, cooperative child care with other adult students, as well as child-care centres. After a certain age, you can take your child along to campus when you attend an evening course, if there is somewhere the child can quietly read. At home, let your child have a friend over to play with. Network with other older students and learn what has worked for them. Explore all possibilities to ensure you have time to meet your educational goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Time Management Tips for Student Athletes<\/h1>\n<p>Student athletes often face unique time pressures because of the amount of time required for training, practice, and competition. During some parts of the year, athletics may involve as many hours as a full-time job. The athletic schedule can be grueling, involving weekend travel and intensive blocks of time. You can be exhausted after workouts or competitions, affecting how well you can concentrate on studies thereafter. Students on athletic scholarships often feel their sport is their most important reason for being in university, and this priority can affect their attitudes toward studying. For all of these reasons, student athletes face special time management challenges. Here are some tips for succeeding in both your sport and academics:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Realize that even if your sport is more important to you, you risk everything if you don\u2019t also succeed in your academics. Failing one class in your first year won\u2019t get you kicked out, but you\u2019ll have to make up that class\u2014and you\u2019ll end up spending more time on the subject than if you\u2019d studied more to pass it the first time.<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s critical to plan ahead. If you have a big test or a paper due the Monday after a big weekend game, start early. Use your weekly planner to plan well in advance, making it a goal, for example, to have the paper done by Friday\u2014instead of thinking you can magically get it done Sunday night after victory celebrations. Working ahead will also free your mind to focus better on your sport.<\/li>\n<li>Accept that you have two priorities\u2014your sport and your classes\u2014and that both come before your social life. That\u2019s just how it is\u2014what you have accepted in your choice to be a university athlete. If it helps, think of your classes as your job; you have to \u201cgo to study\u201d the same as others \u201cgo to work.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Use your planner to take advantage of any downtime you have during the day between classes and at lunch. Other students may seem to have the luxury of studying during much of the afternoon when you\u2019re at practice, and maybe they can get away with hanging out between classes, but you don\u2019t have that time available, at least not during the season. You need to use all the time you can find to keep up with your studying.<\/li>\n<li>Stay on top of your courses. If you allow yourself to start slipping behind, maybe telling yourself you\u2019ll have more time later on to catch up, just the opposite will happen. Once you get behind, you\u2019ll lose momentum and find it more difficult to understand what\u2019s going on in class. Eventually the stress will affect your athletic performance also.<\/li>\n<li>Get help when you need it. Many athletic departments offer tutoring services or referrals for extra help. But don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re at risk for failing a class before seeking help. A tutor won\u2019t take your test or write your paper for you\u2014they can only help you focus in to use your time productively in your studies. You still have to want to succeed.<br \/>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2900\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2900\" style=\"width: 425px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2900\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/accessibilitytoolkit\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/317\/2020\/09\/biking-down-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"319\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2900\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Using free time wisely<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Managing Free Time<\/h1>\n<div class=\"chapter-three:-time-management-reality\">\n<p>Laura Vanderkam&#8217;s TED Talk helps with perspective on free time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Video:<\/strong> &#8220;How to Gain Control of Your Free Time&#8221; (length 11:53)<em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-3\" title=\"Laura Vanderkam: How to gain control of your free time\" src=\"https:\/\/embed.ted.com\/talks\/laura_vanderkam_how_to_gain_control_of_your_free_time\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">You must make time for the things that are most important to you. In order to make time, you may need to decide you will not do something else.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The ability to say \u201cno\u201d cannot be underestimated. It isn\u2019t easy to say \u201cno,\u201d especially to family, friends and people that like you and whom you like. Most of us don\u2019t want to say \u201cno,\u201d especially when we want to help. But if we always do what others want, we give others the power to control our lives, and we won\u2019t accomplish the things that we want\u2014the things that are most important to us.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Ask yourself:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">What am I doing that doesn&#8217;t need to be done?<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">What can I do more efficiently?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Have you ever ordered an appetizer, salad, beverage or bread, then felt full halfway through your entree? In situations like this many people claim, \u201cmy eyes were bigger than my stomach.\u201d This is also true with planning and goal setting. It may be that your plan is bigger than the day. Experiment with what you want to accomplish and what is realistic. The better you can accurately predict what you can and will accomplish and how long it will take, the better you can plan, and the more successful you will be.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Exercise: Time Management Strategies<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Research some software and apps that can help you with time management either by helping you be more organized (e.g. planning calendars with reminder notifications) or by saving time on course work (e.g. Evernote to help keep notes organized). Pick one or more that you think would be useful for your courses and try it out. Is it one that you will continue to use? Why or why not?<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<ul>\n<li>To develop strategies for managing your time, take an inventory of the things you spend your time on, and be realistic about how much time you can carve out for your studies.<\/li>\n<li>Plan your schedule with two hours of additional study time for each hour in class. Use your most alert times of day, break up large tasks into smaller pieces and stages, take breaks to help you stay focused, avoid distractions, and reward yourself for successful accomplishments.<\/li>\n<li>Procrastination has many different causes for different people but is a problem for most students. Different techniques can help you battle procrastination so you can get the job done.<\/li>\n<li>Use a semester calendar planner to mark out the big things on your schedule at a glance: exams, tests, important events, assignment deadlines.<\/li>\n<li>Use a weekly calendar planner to block out study times and plan well ahead for examinations and key assignments to achieve success in school.<\/li>\n<li>Use a daily to-do list along with your weekly planner to avoid overlooking even smaller tasks and to make the most of your time throughout the day.<\/li>\n<li>Students who work, live with family, or are athletes often face significant time pressures and must make a special effort to stay organized and plan ahead for efficient studying.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Text Attributions<\/h3>\n<p>This chapter is remixed from the following sources:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8220;<a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/universitysuccess\/chapter\/2-3-organizing-your-time\/\">Organizing Your Time<\/a>&#8221; in <em>University Success<\/em>\u00a0by N. Mahoney, B. Klassen, and M. D&#8217;Eon. <a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/press.rebus.community\/blueprint2\/chapter\/16-time-management-reality\/\">Time Management Reality<\/a>&#8221; in <em>Blueprint for Success in College and Career<\/em> by <a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Video Attributions<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8220;<a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4P785j15Tzk\">&#8216;Procrastination&#8217; Tales of Mere Existence<\/a>&#8221; by AgentXPQ. Standard YouTube Licence.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/tim_urban_inside_the_mind_of_a_master_procrastinator?utm_campaign=tedspread&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=tedcomshare\">Tim Urban: Inside the Mind of a Procrastinator<\/a>&#8221; by TED. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/about\/our-organization\/our-policies-terms\/ted-talks-usage-policy\">CC BY-NC-ND<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/laura_vanderkam_how_to_gain_control_of_your_free_time\">Laura Vanderkam: How to Gain Control of Your Free Time<\/a>&#8221; by TED. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/about\/our-organization\/our-policies-terms\/ted-talks-usage-policy\">CC BY-NC-ND<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"media-attributions clear\" prefix:cc=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/ns#\" prefix:dc=\"http:\/\/purl.org\/dc\/terms\/\"><h2>Media Attributions<\/h2><ul><li about=\"https:\/\/picnoi.com\/people\/2963\/\"><a rel=\"cc:attributionURL\" href=\"https:\/\/picnoi.com\/people\/2963\/\" property=\"dc:title\">Mother and Son Smiling<\/a>  &copy;  Bruno Nascimento on Picnoi    is licensed under a  <a rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/\">CC0 (Creative Commons Zero)<\/a> license<\/li><\/ul><\/div>","protected":false},"author":90,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":"cc-by-nc-sa"},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[56],"class_list":["post-189","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","license-cc-by-nc-sa"],"part":181,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/90"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/189\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":379,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/189\/revisions\/379"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/181"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/189\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=189"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=189"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/studentsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}