Time ManagementTime Management

Presented by: Jen Gouthro, Academic Advisor

Today’s Agenda

• The basics of time management• How do you spend YOUR time?!• Take charge of your time – tricks of

the trade

Does This Sound Like You?

• “I work better under pressure.”• “If I had just one more day in the week I

could get everything done.”• “Sleep is overrated. I can sleep when I’m

done school.”• “My life is out of control!!!”

What are your time constraints?

• What time management challenges do you think you will face this coming semester?

• What do you do well? What do you need to improve?

A Goal Worth Shooting For

A Good Time-Manager…

• has clearly defined academic and personal goals.• is motivated and enjoys his/her program of study.• uses daily and weekly to-do lists.• recognizes when he/she

procrastinates and can get back on track.

• leads a balanced life.

• Feels IN CONTROL!

Sales Pitch for Time Management!

Time Management helps you to…

• be a better student… and friend… and staff member…and partner… etc.

• avoid time traps.• anticipate needs and avoid last minute scrambling.• identify and avoid time conflicts.• achieve freedom and control.• avoid feeling guilty.• evaluate your progress - ahead or behind.• see the “big” picture and the “bigger” picture. • study smarter, not harder.• develop habits and skills to use in the “real world”.

It’s all About Attitude!

The Basics of Time Management

• Setting realistic & concrete goals• Planning:

– Designing prioritized to-do lists– Planning the week ahead of

time and “fine tuning” the plan each day

– Using a semester planner

• Following through• Reward yourself!

MAKE GOOGLE CALENDAR

YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND!

MONTHLY CALENDAR

NROC61: Chap 15 reading

ANTC62: Listen to Lecture #1, 2

NROC61: Journal Presentation Prep

Epilepsy: Pubmed (good journals)

Email Laura Committee Chair package

WORK HARD, THEN…

The Basics: Planning-Your Starting Point

• EXERCISE #1: Where does your time go?

• EXERCISE #2: Self-assessment exercise(Please take 5 minutes to complete this)

Is There Room For Improvement??

The Basics: Planning - Daily & Weekly

• EXERCISE #3: Prioritized to-do lists(Begin now and complete after the seminar)

• EXERCISE # 4A: The Daily Task Planner (Complete after the seminar)

• EXERCISE # 4B: Journal Reflections on the Daily Task Planner(Complete after the seminar)

What technique works best for you?

• Review Sample – Priority Tasks This Week, Daily schedule/Cross Referenced with Term Planning Calendar

Time Management Quote…

“I’m a busy guy but I set aside quiet time every morning and every evening to keep my equilibrium centered on my own path. I don’t like being swayed by anything that might be negative or damaging.”

- Donald TrumpYou’re fired!

Whatever.

The Perils of Procrastination…

• Procrastination means putting off a job for no good reason.

• It is NOT laziness! • Some causes are:

- Fear of failure- Perfectionism

- Confusion/aversion to task- Poor planning/

disorganization

Avoid Procrastination - Stay Motivated

• Remember – motivation comes from ACTION!• Do the “5 Minute” Plan.• Apply the Premack Principle, aka “Grandma’s

Rule”• Remind yourself why you need to stay motivated.• Keep goals for what is to be accomplished

realistic and visible. Check them off when done.• Break large tasks into smaller pieces to avoid

frustration and achieve positive reinforcement.• Reward yourself for accomplishments achieved.

Avoid Procrastination - Stay Motivated

• Get your friends and family involved. Ask for reminders. Ask them to hold you accountable.

• Utilize cues to help you stay focused – post-it-notes, alarms.

• Use your study space for studying only, reduce distractions!

• Trick yourself into starting early – create artificial deadlines.

• Don’t sweat the small stuff!

Thoughts to Take With You…

“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.”

- Benjamin Franklin

“Waiting is a trap. There will always be reasons to wait...The truth is, there are only two things in life, excuses and results, and excuses simply don't count.” - Robert Anthony

"The really successful people are those who have broken the chains of procrastination, those who find satisfaction in doing the job at hand. They're full of eagerness and productivity. You can be, too." - Norman Vincent Peale

In Summary…

• Develop clear, concise, realistic goals to shoot for.• Manage YOURSELF instead of letting your

schedule manage you. Start by planning your time well.

• Use to-do lists.• Avoid procrastination ploys.• “Plan your work and work with your plan.”

Resources to Assist You

• Academic Advising• Career Counselling• Peer Counselling• Various Career and Learning Skills

Assessments• Employment Services• Tipsheets• Resource Library• Seminars

Good Luck!

Thanks for attending.

Please take a moment to fill out our evaluation.

Academic Advising & Career Centre Room AC213

(416) 287-7561

www.utsc.utoronto.ca/AACCwww.utsc.utoronto.ca/AACC