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Using Time Wisely
You might have all the time in the world,
but if you don't use it wisely, it won't
help you to meet your goals.
Procrastination is a problem for many
students. The following are tips to help you
deal with this issue:
- Clear your schedule. Don't
overextend yourself. Recognize that
your obligations and resulting stress
are as important as other people's
needs. Set limits around being
interrupted or rescheduling your work
time to accommodate others. Omit or
reschedule some of your other
obligations. You want to give full
concentration to your studies without
feeling guilty about what you're NOT
doing.
- Get motivated. Create a work
area that is free from distractions and
commit to staying there for at least one
to two hours. If you get side-tracked,
remind yourself how this activity will
help you to meet your goals.
- Prioritize. What has to be
done first? When is it due? What is
worth more in terms of your grade? What
is worth more in terms of your personal,
educational, or career goals?
- Make sure you understand the task.
Ask questions. Get help if you need it.
- Break down the task into chunks.
Estimate how much time you'll need to
complete the task. Don't try to do it
all at one time. Break it down so that
it's "do-able" and not so overwhelming.
Stay up-to-date on assignments to help
avoid overload.
- It doesn't have to be perfect.
Some people are so afraid that they
won't perform perfectly, they won't do
anything at all. Make sure you
understand the expectations of your
instructor. Then evaluate how important
the task is and what level of
performance is acceptable to you. Then
just do it!
- When you really hate it, try to
make it as enjoyable as possible.
Work on this task first, while you have
more energy. Reward yourself when you
complete certain aspects of the task.
Study with a friend.
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