Too much to do and not enough time? Improve your planning and goal-setting abilities, maximize your time and overcome procrastination. Gain tools to set up a weekly schedule, establish priorities and balance school, work and home life.
Three steps of time management
Time management can be broken down into three main steps:
Make your plan
Set your goals
Goals define what is important and what you aim to achieve, helping improve motivation and accountability.
Goals can be divided into two categories:
- Long-term goals are usually longer than one year and provide a stable sense of direction.
- Short-term goals are more immediate guidelines and direct our plans on a daily or monthly basis.
Begin by developing your long-term goals, and then break them down into short-term objectives. Further breaking down these short-term goals into smaller steps to create your "To-Do" list!
Prioritize your tasks
After setting goals and defining tasks, prioritize. This crucial step in time management ensures wise and productive use of your time.
Prioritization can be tricky, as our attention naturally goes to time-sensitive tasks over important ones. To improve, ask: "How urgent is this?" and "How important is this?"
This "urgent-important" approach to prioritization is outlined in a tool known as the Eisenhower Matrix.
Learn more about the Eisenhower Matrix
Schedule your time
To effectively manage your time, consider using schedules and calendars to visualize and track your commitments. These tools not only help you stay prepared but also boost your motivation to complete tasks.
Two formats to consider are:
| Planning tool | How to create it | Benefits and uses |
|---|---|---|
| Semester/long-term calendar | Add all major deadlines (assignments, exams, etc.) and key personal dates. |
|
| Weekly/daily schedule | Prioritize fixed commitments or deadlines, and then other tasks. Remember to balance your tasks and set realistic expectations. |
|
Many students find that using both types together is the most effective way to stay organized and on track.
Act on your plan
Develop strategies to overcome procrastination. Procrastination can cause you to miss important deadlines or complete tasks at the last minute. It can also lead to missed deadlines and last-minute work, which significantly impacts grades and overall well-being.
Tips for overcoming procrastination
- Make a to-do list: Define tasks and deadlines.
- Break down tasks: Divide large tasks into smaller, more manageable parts.
- Stay focused: Remove distractions, use a timer for just five or 10 minutes to help you get started.
- Consider consequences: Reflect on the negative outcomes of delaying each task and decide if they're worth it.
- Reward yourself: Celebrate completing tasks on time to maintain motivation. Reward yourself with something positive and fun.
Supporting resources
Evaluate your progress
How did the plan go? Did you stick with it? Were there any trouble points which set you off track?
Identify reasons for any issues, such as underestimating time, procrastination, poor prioritization, over-scheduling, unrealistic goals, or bad timing. Once identified, adjust for next time (for example, allot more time).
Effective time management boosts productivity, reduces overwhelm, and aids goal achievement. It takes practice; start small, evaluate, adjust, and keep at it!
Remember, there's always help if you need it. Meet with a SAIT Learning Strategist for support.
Contact us
Learning Skills Services
Lamb Learner Success Centre, MC221, Stan Grad Centre
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Phone - 403.284.8082
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Email - learning.skills@sait.ca
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Monday - Friday | 8am - 4pm
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.