Time Management

Common Time Wasters

Problem

Feeling so overwhelmed and anxious about your workload that you 'freeze', put things off and don’t get anything done.

Solution

1. Set priorities.

2. Get started.

Actually starting a task reduces your anxiety about it. List all the tasks you have to do in order of importance and urgency, and work through them one at a time.

Problem

Procrastination: spending time on irrelevant tasks when you know you should be studying.

Solution

1. Set study goals and vary your study techniques.

2. Make a 'to do' list.

The problems mentioned above are classic 'delaying' tactics to put off starting work. Start a task that is giving you anxiety—don't put it off! Even if you just jot down a plan about how you will proceed further, at least you've made a start!

Make a list of what you have to do in order of priority. For example, if an assignment is due in 1 week, then it goes to the top of your 'to do' list. Be conscious of what you're doing. If working on an assignment is at the top of your list and you catch yourself just popping out to wash the car—stop yourself and ask: "Why am I doing this now? I'll do it after I've reached my study goal."

Problem

Putting off starting a task because it feels so overwhelming or difficult that you can't face it.

Solution

Break up the workload into small chunks.

This is a very effective strategy. Break up work into as many small, achievable tasks as you can. Then when you sit down to study, you are not facing a huge, daunting pile of work, but one small task.

Complete a 'chunk' every study period. It might be a task or a period of revision. Take a break after completing a 'chunk'. If it's something you've really been dreading, reward yourself when you’ve done it! 

Problem

Daydreaming or 'drifting off'.

Solution

Check your energy level and concentration.

Take a short break or a little exercise every hour. Open a window and walk around. If you drift off, try visualising a red stop light. Hold that image for a few seconds-then switch to a green light and go back to work. 

Problem

Feeling that you can't begin because you won't be able to produce a 'perfect' result.

Solution

Aim at reasonable results!

Rather than aiming for a masterpiece each time, it's better to produce something - and pass - than to put it off for so long that you produce nothing at all. 

Problem

The 'Too Hard' Basket: deciding that "I didn't want to do this course / study / unit anyway!"

Solution

1. Re-examine your motives for studying.

2. Ask for advice.

2. Use the 'balance sheet method'.

Students do change their minds about their studies. They may feel they have taken the wrong path, or that their talents lie elsewhere. However, changing courses should be rational decision, not a reaction made out of frustration because the work is 'too hard'.

Discuss difficulties with your tutor or lecturer. Seek support from student services like The Learning Centre. Ask advice from the Counseling Service and the Careers Service. Don't just throw in the towel! Before making any changes, be sure about what it is you really want. Try the balance sheet method:

• On a piece of paper, write down all the benefits to getting item X done.
• On the other side of the page, write down all the reasons you can't get it done or have been putting it off.

This activity can help you to define exactly what has been stopping you working. It's likely you'll have a list of benefits (starting with 'relief that the task is finished!') and a few reasons (such as "I really don't understand this assignment") you can then challenge yourself to sort out.

Next: Considerations