If you struggle to manage your time then you have come to the right place. One of the most difficult things to control and use effectively is your time - because it just keeps ticking away no matter how quickly you work or how much you want it to slow down.
But there is always light at the end of the tunnel. By identifying and using some simple time management tools that will improve your ability to manage your time effectively, you can quickly start freeing up more free time than you realized was possible.
Tip number one - start using to-do lists. It's far easier to remember what you need to get done by writing it down and then prioritizing the list you create. It's no good just trying to remember everything in your head - you need to start making to-do lists! Make sure when you create the list you create it with very specific actionable steps that you are going to take. For example, don't write "Start Maths homework", but instead write "Do first 3 questions of Maths homework". See the difference? If you have vague items it will only lead to uncertainty about what the task means and further procrastination problems.
Tip number two - create some goals and stick to them like super glue (like the one that always get stuck on your fingers) Have you actually created some goals for yourself? Do you know exactly what you are working towards and why? If not, what are you working towards? Are you simply trying to get better? Or maybe just trying to get a pass and move on? If you want to make good use of your time you need to know exactly what you want to get out of whatever you are doing. For example, if you sit down for an hour to study you should know what you're trying to complete within that hour. So start setting small goals and make proper use of your time.
Tip number three - tackle procrastination head on. When we look at things we need to complete we have a tendency to look at them as one big ugly task. Instead of doing this, you need to break any big task down into much smaller pieces. For example, in order to write a 2000 word essay you first need to write one word, then one sentence, then one paragraph, then one page, and then 1000 words. By then you are half way done! By it's the breaking it down and getting started that makes the most difference. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and concerned and do nothing. But the smart thing to do is break the task right down and get started on something small. Once you actually start you will realize the task is easier than you thought.
Tip number four - eliminate all distractions! If you wanted to, you could be in a constant state of distraction. The world is full of things and people trying to interrupt you. The real challenge is blocking all that out and focusing on what matters. Distractions can truly account for hours of your time each and every day. That's hundreds if not thousands of hours every year. Instead, you need to focus purely on what you want and then make a beeline for it. Turn off all distractions and get to work. Once it's done you can switch all your distractions back on and prepare to waste some serious time! Woo!
Tip number five - schedule your work for when you are in your study Zen state. We all have different time clocks inside us that dictate when we have the most energy. Yours may be in the morning or it may be late at night. Whatever it is, schedule your work around this time. There is no point trying to push a horse up a hill - so just study at the times you feel super switched on and you will find it far easier to get the work done.
But there is always light at the end of the tunnel. By identifying and using some simple time management tools that will improve your ability to manage your time effectively, you can quickly start freeing up more free time than you realized was possible.
Tip number one - start using to-do lists. It's far easier to remember what you need to get done by writing it down and then prioritizing the list you create. It's no good just trying to remember everything in your head - you need to start making to-do lists! Make sure when you create the list you create it with very specific actionable steps that you are going to take. For example, don't write "Start Maths homework", but instead write "Do first 3 questions of Maths homework". See the difference? If you have vague items it will only lead to uncertainty about what the task means and further procrastination problems.
Tip number two - create some goals and stick to them like super glue (like the one that always get stuck on your fingers) Have you actually created some goals for yourself? Do you know exactly what you are working towards and why? If not, what are you working towards? Are you simply trying to get better? Or maybe just trying to get a pass and move on? If you want to make good use of your time you need to know exactly what you want to get out of whatever you are doing. For example, if you sit down for an hour to study you should know what you're trying to complete within that hour. So start setting small goals and make proper use of your time.
Tip number three - tackle procrastination head on. When we look at things we need to complete we have a tendency to look at them as one big ugly task. Instead of doing this, you need to break any big task down into much smaller pieces. For example, in order to write a 2000 word essay you first need to write one word, then one sentence, then one paragraph, then one page, and then 1000 words. By then you are half way done! By it's the breaking it down and getting started that makes the most difference. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and concerned and do nothing. But the smart thing to do is break the task right down and get started on something small. Once you actually start you will realize the task is easier than you thought.
Tip number four - eliminate all distractions! If you wanted to, you could be in a constant state of distraction. The world is full of things and people trying to interrupt you. The real challenge is blocking all that out and focusing on what matters. Distractions can truly account for hours of your time each and every day. That's hundreds if not thousands of hours every year. Instead, you need to focus purely on what you want and then make a beeline for it. Turn off all distractions and get to work. Once it's done you can switch all your distractions back on and prepare to waste some serious time! Woo!
Tip number five - schedule your work for when you are in your study Zen state. We all have different time clocks inside us that dictate when we have the most energy. Yours may be in the morning or it may be late at night. Whatever it is, schedule your work around this time. There is no point trying to push a horse up a hill - so just study at the times you feel super switched on and you will find it far easier to get the work done.
About the Author:
HelpMeToStudy.org is the best resource for learning new study skills, changing your study habits and finding the best studying tips available. We provide free access to the world's best and most entertaining study resources and strategies that will help you change the way you think about study - and even better - we show you how to study effectively: How To Study Effectively | Time Management Tools
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