GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TIME
PRESENTED BY THE ELMHURST COLLEGE LEARNING CENTER
USE THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS AS A GUIDE FOR MANAGING YOUR TIME.
1. Develop a weekly time schedule which includes fixed time activities and other necessary tasks(eating, sleeping, recreation).
2. Plug in your weekly study activities. The rule of thumb is two hours of study time for each hour you spend in the classroom. However, be realistic. If you are a slow reader and you need to read several psychology chapters, you may spend more time in reading. The opposite is also true. A faster reader may need much less time to complete the reading assignment.
3. Schedule difficult study tasks when you are at your peak. The morning person might choose to tackle the tough math course in the morning. The night person might choose to begin reading sociology chapters after 8 p.m.
4. Each morning review your schedule before setting out on your day's activities. Prioritize your activities for the day.
How to Prioritize
a. List all activities you think must be accomplished by the end of the day.
b. Reread your list. Put a "C" next to those activites which could be put off until tomorrow.
c. Reread your list. Put a "B" next to those activities which would be great to accomplish today or perhaps would make life a little easier if done today.
d. The leftover activities are really not leftovers. These activities earn an "A". You must accomplish these items today - no debate.
5. BE FLEXIBLE. People and events can force alterations to the best plans. There are certain activities which you cannot control. Be aware that changes may become necessary, but help yourself in advance by planning for unexpected interruptions. Build in some "cushion" time for yourself.
6. Reward yourself. If you have achieved the goal of completing a task, you deserve to pat yourself on the back. Your rewards can be anything that appeals to you. Get yourself a candy bar, take a walk around campus, call a friend, watch a video. Make your reward meaningful to you.
