STEPS TO MASTERING YOUR TIME
THE tap SYSTEM
PRESENTED BY THE ELMHURST COLLEGE LEARNING CENTER
WHEN TO DO THIS: IMMEDIATELY
MATERIALS: 2 BLANK TIME GRIDS
STEP 1: TRACK
Track all your activities for one week on one of the weekly time grids. Be honest. If you watch a movie for two hours or go to an all night party, record the total time that you spent in these activities.
STEP 2: ANALYZE
When you have completed the weekly grid, you are ready to review your "raw data". For this you will need to print a copy of the Weekly Time Plan Evaluation. This form will guide through Step 2 which is to analyze how you actually spent your time for the week Again, you must be honest in your analysis. The purpose of this step is to determine how you spend your time compared to how you think you spend your time. Thinking and doing are different actions, particularly in time management!
STEP #: PLAN
You are now ready to reorganize your time. On a separate blank time grid you will plan your time for the next week. To do this task effectively, consider the following in the order listed:
a. all fixed time activities(classes, work schedule)
b. other regular activities(eating, sleeping, grooming, recreation)
c. any unusual activities you have already scheduled(doctor appointments, study sessions, birthdays/other occasions)
d. study tasks for the week
You may find other Time Management materials helpful in your planning. Check them out!
If you follow the TAP system regularly, you will find that it will become a part of your routine. Soon you will be armed with your weekly or monthly calendar in which YOU will be controlling your time.