We have a few strategies which have proven to be effective as good habits to set as a foundation upon which everything else will build. As we go through each strategy, jot down an idea of what each will look like for you.

Blocks of work or study time and breaks… this applies to both our personal time and our business or academic life

While some of you may have more flexibility in your choices of schedule than others, we all still only have 24 hours in a day. How we use that time will determine our results.

In a normal week, blocks ideally are around 60 minutes, but perhaps you become restless after only 30 minutes? If it’s work or school related, some difficult material may require more frequent breaks. Our attention and focus appears to wane after 30 minutes, in most instances. Shorten your time blocks if necessary… but don’t forget to return to the task at hand!

• How long is it?
• Are you a morning person or a night owl?
• What makes for a good break for you?
• Can you control the activity and return to your task at hand?

What is the best space you can think of?  What is another?

Weekly reviews and updates are also an important strategy.  Each week, like a Sunday night, review your tasks, your notes, your calendar. Be mindful that as deadlines approach… your weekly routine must adapt to them!

Whenever possible, get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult task.  You’ll be fresh, and have more energy to take them on when you are at your best.

What task has always caused you problems?

The Chinese adage of the longest journey starting with a single step has a couple of meanings:

• First, you launch the project!
• Second, by starting, you may realize that there are some things you have not planned for in your process. Details are not always evident until you begin

Another adage is that “perfection is the enemy of good”, especially when it prevents you from starting!

• Postpone unnecessary activities until the work is done!
  • Postpone tasks or routines that can be put off until your work is finished!
• This can be the most difficult challenge of time management… we always meet unexpected opportunities that look appealing.
  • Instead of saying “no” learn to say “later”.

• Are there mentors?
• An “expert friend”?
• Have you tried a keyword search on the Internet to get better explanations?
• Are there specialists that can point you to resources?
• What about professionals and professional organizations.
• Using outside resources can save you time and energy, and solve problems.

Develop criteria for adjusting your schedule to meet your personal and family needs, distinct where possible, from your professional or entrpreneurial needs. If you  are a student, at any age,  factor in your academic versus non-academic needs

• Create a simple “To Do” list
  • This simple program will help you identify a few items, the reason for doing them, a timeline for getting them done, and then printing this simple list and posting it for reminders.
• Daily/weekly planner
  • Write down appointments, classes, and meetings on a chronological log book or chart.
  • If you are more visual, sketch out your schedule
• First thing in the morning, check what’s ahead for the day
  • always go to sleep knowing you’re prepared for tomorrow
• Long term planner
  • Use a monthly chart so that you can plan ahead.
  • Long term planners will also serve as a reminder to constructively plan time for yourself