Time Management - Student Orientation

Time Management "Time = Life, therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master your time and master your life.”

Alan Lakein

Objectives   

1. Explore the concept of time management 2. Promote self-assessment of current use of time 3. Discuss time management strategies related to:    

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Defining Long Range Plans Defining Short Range Plans Controlling the Environment Setting Goals

4. Assist students in exploring life management tools that will support a successful college experience

Advantages of Time Management Gain time  Motivates and initiates  Reduces avoidance  Promotes review  Eliminates cramming  Reduces anxiety 

Time Management Survey 

Learning any new topic or concept usually begins by first knowing and understanding what you already "know".

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A quick 31 question survey will ask you to think about how you manage your time. Once you finish, you will be able to score yourself and see what your scores suggest!

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For each of the survey statements, put an X by the one word (agree, disagree, unsure”) that best describes your own general experience and actions.

Time Management Survey Results 

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Once you complete the questionnaire, look only at the totals in the “Agree” column. For questions 1-8: Did you agree with more than 4? (goals/long-range plans) For questions 9-20: Did you agree with more than 6? (prioritize/short-range plans) For questions 21-31: Did you agree with more than 6? (controlling your environment)

Goals and Long Range Plans 

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Develop a “wish list” of all you would like to accomplish in your life Evaluate your personal situation for what is realistic for you Revise your wish list to reflect your current reality Prioritize the list Estimate a time frame for completion

Short Range Plans and Priorities  

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Break down the “big picture” into smaller pieces Apply “backwards thinking” to help prioritize activities Plan and schedule (“to do” list) activities Distinguish between activities that are:  Must

do  Should do  Nice to do

Also from Alan Lakein… “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now”

Goal-Setting: Long or Short Term 

Be Realistic 

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Be Practical 

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Anticipate bumps in the road and work around them

Be Focused 

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Don’t establish constraints that make the realistic…unrealistic

Be Flexible 

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Goals should be based on your abilities and circumstances

Have a target in mind so that you know when you have reached your goal

Be in Control Set goals based on your own values, interests, and desires  Target things where you can control the outcome 

Controlling Your Environment   

Remove yourself physically from the distraction Approach relatively unimportant things less thoroughly Handle paper only twice  

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First to prioritize Second to manage

Set boundaries – attempt to retrain others to interact with you differently Reframe old habits – turning on the TV for example

Self Knowledge 

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How do you spend your time? Time Study Balancing your Lifestyle Prioritizing your Semester

Stress Producing Demons               

Worrying about the past & future Carrying it all in your head Wasted time/Procrastination Lack of preparation Failure to plan Inability to say no Failure to delegate Unlimited open door policy Lack of direction (unclear assignments) Repeated daily crises – “fighting fires” Unrelenting pressure Regular long hours Taking it home Lack of necessary skills Excessive socializing

Procrastination 

Your Procrastination Rating

“Not Enough Time…” 

Not a priority…

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Don’t want to do…

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Don’t know how to…

Action Planning 

Stress Situation

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Stress Makers

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Stress Breakers

“You

will never find the time for anything. If you want the time, you must make it.” --- Charles Buxton

Stress Management 

Take care of yourself  

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Foster a positive self-concept   

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Develop a decompression routine Diet, hydration, sleep, spirituality Set realistic self-expectations Accept recognition and recognize your accomplishments Stop the negative monologue – emphasize the positives

Reduce stress on the job    

Clarify expectations Care about and help one another Give positive feedback to coworkers Decompress at work

Questions and Other Shared Ideas