Proper Time Management

Overview

If Time Management were as simple as scheduling our work, all of us would be effective. However, even when we have enough time we often do not structure our schedules or use our time effectively. Sometimes we procrastinate or don’t follow our own schedule. Obviously, Time Management is more difficult than it initially seems.

Review the concepts and strategies below. If you find yourself needing more assistance in the area of Time Management, schedule an appointment with a Student Success Center academic coach by phoning (865) 946-4357.

Goals

The best way to beat procrastination is the active pursuit of a well-defined and intensely desired goal. Think you’re better off going with the flow or taking life as it comes? Try the opposite.

• Define what you want in terms that are specific.
  • “I want to be a better student” is too vague.
  • Try: “I want to earn a B in Chemistry, a C+ in Math, an A- in Psychology, and a B in English”
• Want it. State your goals. Place specific goal reminders in places where you will see them.

Boundaries

• Managing time means structuring your time into categories (sleep, study, work, recreation).
• Set specific blocks of time for specific categories.
  • For example . . .
    • You go to Supplemental Instruction for your Math class every MW from 4:30 to 5:30
    • You read or re-read your Psych textbook one hour prior to class every TR 1:00 to 2:00
    • Make good use of your time by:
      • filling any gap with studying (index cards, etc.)
      • reducing travel time (go to the library instead of back and forth to home)
• Commit to those times.
  • “Every” MW from 4:30 to 5:30 means EVERY MW: no exceptions, no excuses
  • Commitment involves time boundaries (blocking it off, taking no excuses)
• Social Boundaries
  • Commitment involves social boundaries (saying no to other options)
  • In order to set social boundaries, you must develop language for saying no to friends

Realities and Priorities

• You cannot succeed on the university level by simply adding school to the list of everything else you were already doing.
• Your academic commitments must take high priority
  • You must put other things, people, tasks, relationships aside to succeed at UT!
  • Set rewards for the future (if I earn a 3.0 this fall, I go skiing over the holidays), but work hard now!

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