Strategies for Time Management:
ICSM Common Hour
Presented by:
The Academic Advising Center
Objectives
1. Increase awareness of 10 time management strategies.
2. Learn how to implement self-selected strategies that
will assist you in managing your time effectively.
You Are Not Alone!
According to a recent UCLA survey of college
freshman, more than 30% of all freshman reported
feeling overwhelmed with all the demands of
college life!
http://www.uic.edu/depts/wellctr/docs/Stress%20and%20the%20College%20Student.pdf
Do You Find Yourself Using These Phrases?
"I always end up cramming for exams."
"I never have enough time to do my work."
"I only study when there's the pressure of a test."
"I've tried to make a schedule for myself, but I don't stick to them."
"I've tried to make schedules for myself, but unexpected things
come up."
"When I'm doing work in one subject, I get distracted by thoughts
of what I have to do for my other classes."
Poor Time Management Results In…
Stress
Tasks take longer to complete
Illness/fatigue
Disorganization
Lack of accomplishment
Time Management?
Self-Management
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Personality
Culture
Circumstances
Priorities
Pick & choose
strategies based on
what you need
Strategy 1: Time Awareness
How do you spend your time?
Time logs will help you see where your time goes!
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TIPS:
Keep a daily log for 7 consecutive
days
Record EXACTLY how your time is
spent – be specific!
Log your time as you go
Try not to change your behavior
right now
Analyze your time
HANDOUTS!
Analyzing Your Time
Look for patterns
Anything you can simplify?
Could you streamline anything?
What times of days are busier for you?
When are you the most and least productive?
How do you use your “down time”?
Possible to reorganize?
Are tasks taking longer than expected?
Strategy 2: Prioritize
Key to prioritization:
Determining the most important task/action to reach
your stated goals
Let’s consider candy for a moment…
More on Strategy 2
Setting priorities using a Matrix (Covey, Merrill, &
Merrill; 1994):
IMPORTANT
NOT IMPORTANT
URGENT
• Family member
seriously ill
• Paper due in 3
days..haven’t
started
• Cleaning up
• Club organizer
wants info for
meeting
tomorrow
NOT URGENT
• Wellness check
• Exercise
• Facebook
• Surfing the web
• TV
Strategy 3: Using Planning Tools
 gFlash+ Flashcards & Tests - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gflash-flashcards-tests/id286531709?mt=8
http://www.gflashcards.com/
 myHomework Student Planner - https://myhomeworkapp.com/
 iStudiezPro - http://istudentpro.com/
 inClass - http://www.inclassapp.com/
BugMe - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bugme!-stickies-pro-ink-notepad/id361195700?mt=8
Free electronic planner downloads - http://en.softonic.com/s/daily-planner
Tips for Strategy 3
Take time to record appointments/events as they are made.
Include prep time if the task/activity requires travel, study,
research, etc.
Color code to denote various tasks or those that are most important.
Allow for the unexpected by building in unscheduled time.
Use type of tool that best suits you.
Always have your planner with you.
Keep your goals, projects and other important lists in your planner.
Regularly sync your e-planner or refill your paper planner.
Schedule about 70% of your day – have some “me” time!
Strategy 4: Getting Organized
 De-Clutter
“Keep-Give Away-Toss”
Do I really need this? Will it help
me in any way? Is it a necessary part
of a project, etc? Would it be hard to
replace?
Activity:
Identify your clutter! Using the paper provided, jot down in your
groups all the things that are cluttering up your life right now
(tangible and non-tangible)
Tips for Decluttering
Desk drawers – use utensil
holders or ice cube trays (get
creative!)
Consider subscribing to
electronic versions of paper
media.
Donate and recycle.
Get a buddy who is good at
organizing to help you out if
needed.
Strategy 5: Scheduling Your Time
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When are you the most productive and alert?
When do you tend to overcommit?
When can you more easily balance responsibilities?
When do you make time for yourself?
Tips for Scheduling Your Time
Block out time for high priorities first
Build in contingency plans for unexpected situations
– Already built-in if you have only scheduled 70% of
your day
Beware of overcommitting (it’s ok to say no)
– Link to ways to say professionally and politely:
http://zenhabits.net/say-no/
Strategy 6: Utilize Campus Resources
Academic Advising Center http://www.ithaca.edu/advising/
Academic Enrichment Services http://www.ithaca.edu/aes/
Writing Center http://www.ithaca.edu/hs/depts/writing/writingcenter/
Student Disability Services http://www.ithaca.edu/sds/
Career Services http://www.ithaca.edu/sacl/careers/
Office of International Programs http://www.ithaca.edu/oip/
Office of the Registrar http://www.ithaca.edu/registrar/
CAPS http://www.ithaca.edu/sacl/counseling/
Strategy 7: Stop Procrastinating
• Break large projects/tasks
into smaller and more
manageable segments.
• Start with a pre-preparatory
task (i.e. organize notes).
• Swiss Cheese method: poke
holes in your project by
completing quick and easy
tasks.
• Do hardest/most unpleasant
parts first.
• Remove distractions
• Stay positive!
• Celebrate small
accomplishments.
Strategy 8: Identify/Manage Time Wasters
Which ones apply to you?
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Phone/texting
Family obligations
Clubs
Social obligations
Email & Internet
TV
Too much “down time”
Solutions to Time Wasters
Set specific times for making/receiving phone calls.
Turn off your cell from time to time.
Set aside time in your day for TV and social networking.
Be selective with your social calendar.
Schedule study time or a club during your “down” time.
Strategy 9: Avoid Multitasking
Multitasking limits productivity – shifting attention
between tasks drains time and mental energy.
Common ways students multitask:
Watching TV and reading
Facebook and reading
Talking with friends and reading
Texting and reading
Like listening to music in the background? Research is
showing passive noise might just be beneficial.
Tips for Minimizing Multitasking
Minimize interruptions and distractions.
Make a note to yourself about something you need to take care
of later instead of stopping to complete it.
Stand up every now and again to improve your concentration.
Consider a 5-minute walk and stretch
Set deadlines and concentrate on completing one task at a time.
Be accountable to a friend and vice versa (help each other out).
Strategy 10: Stay Healthy
Summary
Analyze how you spend your time.
Decide what is important and urgent.
Utilize tools to improve time management.
Get organized.
Schedule!
Use your resources – don’t go it alone.
Don’t procrastinate.
Manage time wasters.
Multi-tasking is not your friend.
Take time for yourself – be healthy!