List making is a good way to not only keep track of things you want to buy, but also of upcoming tasks that need to be done, deadlines and so on. A list also has the advantage of allowing you to see all of your obligations on the page, which reduces the stress of being over-committed. Somehow, when you can reduce the things that need to be done to a short piece of paper, it doesn't seem quite so intimidating. Start daily by putting together a list of all Home work that needs to be done:
- Irish essay, Thur 27th
- Maths assignment, Tue 25th
- English Poetry questions Tue 25th
- Geography pages 51-60 Wed 26th
- History Chapter 5 and questions Fri 28th
- French grammar Wed 26th
Begin every day with a list of the things you need and want to accomplish that day. This helps you not only focus but remember things. Lists also offer opportunities to celebrate – crossing off completed tasks has a nice feel to it.
Set time-limits?
Some people work very well when they plan how much time they need to spend at each activity. Give yourself more time for subjects, which you may not be strongest at and don’t leave them till last. But be realistic. So for example:
- Home work for Tue 25th
- Maths assignment, (1 hour)
- English Poetry 2 questions (30 minutes each)
- Break (15 mins)
- French Grammar (A+B) (15 mins for Section A)
- Geography (30 mins)
- Finish time: 8pm
Prioritise
Once you've made your list, number the items in order of priority. Very often, we're too busy because we create obligations for ourselves. So take a long hard look at your list and think: Do you need to finish that English SA that’s due in after the weekend?
- Home work for Tue 25th
- Maths assignment, Tue 25th (5pm – 6pm)
- English Poetry 2 questions Tue 25th (30 minutes per question - 7pm approx.)
- Break 15 mins
- French Grammar (A+B) Wed 26th (start section A, finish tomorrow) 15 mins
- Geography Wed 26th (first 5 pages, finish tomorrow) 30 mins
- Finish time: 8pm
Set Reasonable Goals
Setting smaller goals allows you to actually accomplish them, which gives you a great feeling of satisfaction.
Break Tasks into Bite-Size Chunks
Of course, to succeed in this you need to plan ahead. No procrastination please!
Multi-task
Learn to do several things at one time. This applies to women. According to psychological studies, most men do much better by managing only one task at a time.
It's amazing how much time we can waste by doing things one at a time, when tasks can often be combined for efficiency.
Reward Yourself
Finished half your list? Take a break, read a book just for fun, have a snack, go for a walk. Give yourself a ten minute break and stretch or play with the dog. The promise of a reward for finishing a task can be motivating. I often reward myself with just going outdoors for fresh air. This makes me more motivated to get back to the rest of my list.
Eliminate Distractions
Some days, it seems like the whole world is out to distract you from what you have to get done. The phone rings every 5 minutes. Try to minimize distractions.
Build in Some Leisure Time
All work and no play! Schedule some relaxation time. Spend some time doing things you enjoy but don't have to do. Watch some TV, go training etc. Remember the idea of rewarding yourself? You can make a deal with yourself: if you work really hard on Monday, on Tuesday & Wednesday you can take time to catch up with your friends and do something fun.
This is important. If we spend all our time doing work related tasks, we get even more stressed out. We can become self absorbed and dull. Relaxation reduces stress and makes a person easier to be around.
Of course, there are other strategies you can use to manage your time, but these are the ones that work for me. Try some of them—maybe they'll work for you, too.
The information provided in this guide does not constitute tax, legal investment or any other advice. Any figures quoted are correct as at 20th of December 2003 and are subject to change.
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Financial Regulator.
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