A. Create good study habits
1. Study at the same time each day so that it becomes a habit.
2. Plan for weekly reviews.
3. Set aside blocks of study time (about 45 minutes each).
4. Keep your study area just for studying and get rid of distractions.
5. Write down assignments in every class including the DUE DATE and then check off items as you complete them.
6. Take advantage of open “time windows.”
· Use the time you spend waiting, walking, riding, etc. to review what you’ve learned.
· Just before class, quickly review your notes or readings relating to that class.
B. Plan Properly for Peak Performancecalendar
1. Set up a school-year calendar to get a big picture of your semester–don’t include too much detail at this point.
2. Schedule your fixed commitments. Block out time for papers, projects, readings, meetings, scheduled exams, holidays, breaks, presentations, etc.
Allot time for planned recreation, sports, club activities, etc.
Enter important dates for your social and family life.
Leave free time for yourself so you have flexibility.
3. Make a Weekly Schedule. Once a week block out time on a more detailed level for important commitments and deadlines you need to meet. Schedule meetings with yourself to work on back-burner items.
4. Make a Daily To-Do List. At the end of each day organize and schedule your next day. Include routines, errands, and study time.
C. Follow your planplan
1. Don’t let peer pressure or the quest for short-term gratification dictate what you consider important.
2. Focus on the goals you’ve set for yourself and follow up on your true top priorities.
3. Align your priorities with your long-term values and goals.
D. Set priorities: There’s always more to do than you have time forpriorities
1. Be mindful that the actions you take today will plant the seeds for your long-term success or failure.
2. Think of the possible actions you can take today that will contribute to your success.
a. Go over each action you’ve thought of and ask yourself, “What positive things might happen if I make this a top priority?”
b. Ask yourself, “What negative things might happen if I don’t make it a top priority?”
c. Write down the answers you’ve come up with and sort things out by asking yourself three more questions.Balance priorities
E. Overcome procrastinationdate
Without a date, you’ll procrastinate. Whenever you get an assignment, set a goal for when you’re going to start it so you can finish without a last minute panic.
1. Once you’re given a due date on an assignment, count backwards from the due date to establish a start date. Take into account time you’ll be spending on other items like social events, sports, etc. Refer to your school calendar where you’ve blocked out time you’ve committed to other things.
2. Keep stress to a minimum. Start early to avoid a frantic finish.Time management - clock
3. If you usually wait until the last minute to study or work on an assignment, instead of making your goal to finish on time, make your goal to finish early.
4. Remember the riddle, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer: “A bite at a time.”
If it’s a big assignment, break it into small steps.
F. Look Back From the Futuretime
Things that appear critically important today might seem relatively unimportant when you view them from a future perspective. Also, things that appear to be relatively unimportant today might be very important when you view them from a future perspective.
