Time Management Tactics

In the work force you not only have dead lines, but you also have to juggle several assignments at once. When this occurs your time management skills have to be on point. The hardest part of most of these assignments are actually starting the assignment. Here are some things to remember when you are in that state of procrastination:

• Remember past writing projects- you have completed something before, and you will this time.


• Don't wait for inspiration to write the rough draft- treat writing the draft as you would treat any on-the-job task.


• Don't worry about a good opening- that can wait until you've constructed your paragraphs.


• Keep writing quickly to achieve unity, coherence, and proportion.


• Don't criticize yourself for not being able to write a smooth, readable sentence the first time; it is natural for the first drafts to be clumsy and long-winded.


• Remind yourself that you are beginning a draft that no one else will read.

Also remember that time management is a practiced skill. The more you do it, the better you will be at it! Here are some things to factor in as you prepare yourself.

• Set Study Block Times - How long does it take for you to get restless? If you can study for an hour without breaking your concentration then that is how long your study blocks should be. Of course this varies from person to person considering their own personalities, and also with the complexity of what they are studying. You should also factor this in to times of day that you are most productive. For example, are you a morning person or a night owl?


• Prioritize Assignments - Have a calendar and update it every week. Sit down once a week and prioritize all of these assignments into things that must be done, and things you want to get done. For example, finishing your Microeconomics project is something you need to get done, and going to the beach is something you want to get done. If you practice this enough, you will actually find that you will become so efficient with your time that you will get both of these things done.


• Take advantage of "free" time - This includes things such as looking at flash cards on your way to class, on the bus, etc.


• Review class notes - If you go home from class and review your notes right away, you will find that when it comes to studying for an exam you will not have to study as much. Remember most information is forgotten within the first 24 hours!

One of the biggest things to remember is to remain flexible. Start with a simple outline and progress from there. Do not attempt to write the whole thing in one sitting, you will just feel overwhelmed and your project will not turn out as well as you are capable of making it. However, if you do get on a roll, don't stop. It is also important to remember to reward yourself. These things are not easy and it makes you feel more accomplished if you treat yourself after a long study session.

Work Cited

Walter E. Oliu, Charles T. Brusaw, Gerald J. Alred. Writing That Works. Bedford/St. Martin's Boston, 2007.

Study Guides and Strategies, www. studygs.net/timman.htm