Procrastination
Time Management (Coming of Age)
Jamie, 19 from Arizona writes...
I've been trying to get better at managing my time for the past couple of years, really, and I've been able to make some progress. One of the things that I've learned is that I am able to get way more done when I'm busy than when I have barely anything to do; I think it's because it's harder to procrastinate doing laundry, for instance, when I know that I only have twenty minutes to do it than when I have five hours. To account for that, I've recently been committing large amounts of my time to a variety of different purposes: I'm taking more than a full load of courses at school, and I'm volunteering for a couple of different organizations.
However, devoting so much of my time will only work if I can be sure that I'll actually be able to get everything done. To this end, before committing to anything I create, not a schedule per se, but a calculation. I account for time spent in class as well as homework (I believe the formula is class time * 1.5 is the estimated amount of homework), sleep, eating, transportation, volunteering, any time I have specifically scheduled with my friends, etc. It's not an exact number, but it gets me a decent estimate of how much time I should have left over - and, in theory, stops me from completely over-scheduling myself.
In order to keep track of my time more specifically, I have a calendar mounted on the wall next to my desk - one of the whiteboard ones, so I don't have to invest in a different one every year - and I keep a daily planner. The calendar is mostly useful for keeping track of important events - birthdays, due dates for big projects, mandatory meetings, etc. I can look at it once a day and see if there's anything important coming up in the near future. The planner, I use for more detailed events - homework assignments and particular chores that need to be done, as well as meetings and dates to remember for my volunteer commitments.
In addition to all of this, I've started writing a to-do list every morning. It helps keep me focused on what needs to be done, and usually includes some things that aren't mandatory for that day - for instance, even though classes don't start for me for another week, my to-do lists have included textbook readings in advance. I like to keep a bit of a time buffer built in to my schedule, to account for days when I'm not feeling well, or when a task requires more time than anticipated.
Crystal says...
You are so organized it's scary! It sure sounds like you have a good system going; time buffers are an excellent idea, as you never know when something unexpected might come up. It's definitely important to be able to be flexible, and you're doing a great job of it.Tags: teenagers, coming of age, procrastination, time management
Out with the old, in with the new ()
We are over a month into the school year, and for many it's "crunch time." With deadlines to meet, and tests and mid-terms to write; anxiety in students is flying high. For the working girl who manages school and a job, this time of the year proves most difficult. In order to keep your job and remain on top of your studies, now is the best time to kick old habits and develop new ones. This article will look at ten must-have tips to assist you in your road to success during the school year:
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Do NOT procrastinate: Once you start procrastinating, chances are you will never stop. It is one of those habits that is hard to quit and most addictive. Remember: What you can do today, do not put off until tomorrow.
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Keep a daily planner and maintain it's use: This way you will keep track of what needs to be completed and not loose sight of due dates. Another important tip, which will help systemize your time, is to create a schedule for yourself. Organizing your time ensures that everything will be completed by the required date.
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Get enough sleep: Whenever possible, try to get as much sleep as possible even if it means not watching your favourite late night show. Save your hobbies or meeting up with buddies for the weekend. Not getting enough rest results in a lack of focus in class or at work and ultimately requires sacrificing one for the other to be on track.
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Do not skip breakfast: Even if you are not a breakfast person or find it difficult to prepare a balanced meal for the morning, opt for a convenient equivalent. For instance, a breakfast bar or yogurt and fruit. Countless studies have shown that those who eat breakfast perform better at school than those who don't.
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Have a positive attitude: Having a positive attitude makes everything much more easier than carrying a burden of negativity on your shoulders. Negative energy can become consuming and lead to poor overall performance in your tasks. It also makes an bad situation worse.
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Do not get caught up in the wrong crowd: Be around people who allow you to be who you are. One of the easiest ways to loose sight of what's important is to be caught up in negative peer pressure at school and work.
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Pay attention to your teacher/lecturer: Teachers and professors usually say important things-no matter how uninteresting they may be. Most of your queries have been addressed in class if you pay attention. Take notes during class even if you think they are trivial in nature because they always have a way of showing up on a test or exam.
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Exercise: Staying active gives you more energy and hence, prevents you from feeling un-energized. It also keeps you aware, upbeat and ready to face your next challenge.
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Do not be afraid to ask for help: There is no such thing as a stupid question. Many of your classmates are probably wondering about the same thing you want to ask about. Shying away from asking for help compromises your chance of accomplishing that certain assignment to the best of your ability.
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Stay clear of DRUGS OR ALCOHOL: Do not use these substances as a way to deal with difficult situations. Nothing is worth the consumption of drugs or alcohol. These are only temporary means of feeling better and will not fix your dilemmas or make you perform better at your activities.
It is imperative that you do well in school so that you can accomplish your goals and meet your aspirations. Being a full time student, however, should not mean that you have to give up on other aspects of your life. Working is great for experience and for many, an important and necessary financial means. In order to maintain work with school, it is crucial to develop good habits so that one does not have to be compromised for the other.
Tags: sleep, procrastination, working girl, good habits, job skills, positive attitude, daily planning, healthy choices