Spontaneous Fudge

Learn to
Manage
Your Time

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Writing school assignments are like completing work documents; you need to manage your time to meet deadlines. If you are struggling with time management, it is hoped that the content of this page can help.

What Time Management Is

... an attempt to control the timing of events in one's life - when control is possible.

Everyone relies on a large number of other people, events, and circumstances to try to accomplish the things we need to do. The groceries you buy are on the shelves because someone trucked them in, working on a schedule. You have electricity because someone works their scheduled hours at the power plant; even your television viewing relies on the provider's ability to broadcast the shows, and it is all on a schedule. You cannot control everything, but must try to control the few things you can.

... prioritizing activities so that the most important things get done.

Most people who write a to-do list will tell you that they do not always complete all the tasks they planned. However, a good time manager will make sure the most important things get done! Deciding what is most important to you includes determining any consequences; what would happen if it does not get done today? Who else is relying on you to get it done? How does completing this activity affect your ability to move forward with other tasks? If there is a deadline, what is the consequence of missing it? Can something else wait?

... using tools to systematically record reminders.

It is a good tool if (1) it does not take forever to record the information you need, and (2) you will remember to look at it. Sometimes, just the act of writing something down will help commit you to the task. Here are some ideas:

Review pointsReview: Control what you can, prioritize, and use tools.

What Time Management Is Not

... relying on your memory.

One seemingly small event missed can set a chain reaction that can shut down your day or even kill a project at work. Relying on memory leaves you open to missing that one small event. Bosses get nervous when things are not written down, and your clients, coworkers, and family might need to know what you have planned - so write it down.

… relying on others to remind you when things need to be done.

If you think your spouse/parent/child/coworker with the knack for keeping you on track will always be there at work with you, it is time to develop a more mature independence. Start relying on yourself and your own tools, and you will be a step closer to being a true professional in any career you choose.

... scheduling activities for every quarter hour, half hour, or even every hour.

This is called micromanaging, and it is not only time-costly to organize this way, it can bring about extra stress since unexpected events are likely to make a mess of your plans. Some things will need scheduling, but others just need to be done sometime during your day. Develop your plans with a buffer for unexpected events.

... cutting out all playtime.

The old saying, "Work first, play later" bears good advice. When you put off work or school papers, the feeling of guilt or worry can adversely affect your playtime. Instead, get the important things done first, and then you can play without guilt.

Review pointsReview: Write it down, do it yourself, do not micromanage,
and take time to play - when the work is done.

New to Online Learning?

Help yourself acclimate by visiting these pages: http://fudgelink.com/onlinestudent/.

Links for more ideas:


Originally created back in 2011, spontaneously.
Added to this site in 2017 and updated April 24, 2022.
Spontaneous Fudge pages © Prof. Tamara Fudge