Let time work for you!
LEARNING how to handle your time well is an essential skill for success in any profession or business. So, you had better begin managing time in your formative years itself!
According to the famous Pickle Jar Theory of Time Management, we need to prioritise our activities and recognise our `big rocks'.
We need to allot time in accordance with the priority. In other words, once we get our priorities right, we need to put them in order and make place for them in our time schedules in such a manner that each one gets its own share of time.
For example, when we realise that we need to allot at least 5 hours in the day for our studies (outside the classroom!) then we are making it our `big rock'.
The `smaller rocks' refer to the things we need to do which are urgent but not so important. The `sand' that goes in on top of the smaller rocks and creeps all around the big rocks refers to the activities thrust upon us from all directions and which cause a lot of upsets.
Recognise the time wasters
Look at the list below and check out if these are your time wasters too:
Crises - We are addicted to urgency. It sends the adrenaline rushing and gives you a big high. Therefore, we put off things till the very last minute and enjoy the exhilaration of the situation!
Telephone calls
Poor Planning
Attempting to do too much
Drop- in visitors
Poor delegation
Personal disorganisation
Lack of self discipline
Can't say `no'!
Procrastination
If some of the above are your problem areas, be specific and try and break the grip they have on you. If you can look at your problem and identify it, then you are at least starting off somewhere. Example no. 5 is one area connected to no. 9. So, if you steel yourself and learn to say `no', you will learn to handle visitors also.
Be polite but firm. If poor planning is your problem and you learn to get better at it, you will find that crises will almost disappear! It will also<243>curtail your problem in no. 4 i.e. attempting to do too much!
For students
You cannot say that you are going to study for the next four hours without a break. It is an impossible task because your concentration will not hold and you will be watching the clock or dozing off! Give yourself breaks, which are realistic, as well as plan an effective schedule
Plan a block of time that suits you, say, about 50 minutes? If you feel you will get restless within 30 minutes, then take a 30- minute block and not 50 minutes. Take a break of five minutes and come back
Plan a weekly review and an update. Check your progress
Prioritise assignments- begin with the most difficult subject or task
Find a place to study where you are not distracted. At the same time, make sure you do not day-dream!
For effective class participation
Review studies and readings before class. Make sure you are aware of the previous day's work and what is going to be done that day. It helps to stay on top of things. It will help you learn better
Review lecture materiel immediately after class. It has been proved that if you do not revise within 24 hours of the lecture, you are most likely to forget major portions of it
Time management aids
A "to do" list: Write down things that have to be done. Then start with the things that need to be done immediately and those that can be done later in the day; there may be some that can be delegated and others that can be put off for a much later time
Daily and a weekly planner: If you write down your appointments, classes, presentations, reviews, etc. in a chronological order, you will find that you are better prepared for them. If you know what lies ahead, you are more ready to receive it
Long-term planner: Plan at least a month in advance. This way, you can plan and use your free time in a better way. Besides, now that you can make time work for you, you will find that you can get a lot more done.
SHYMOLA KHANNA
faqs@cnkonline.com
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Opportunities
