Time Management

1
Time Management Overcoming Procrastination

• PhD Skills Event
• Caroline Forsyth
• Adapated from presentation by Dr. Tamara
  OConnor

2
Workshop Objectives

• Explore principles of goal setting and time
  management
• Learn about ways to control concentration
• Explore reasons for procrastination
• Review strategies for overcoming procrastination

3
Self-Management

• Manage self and resources
• Planning
• Differences
• Expectations
• Monitoring
• Evaluating

4
Planning Strategies

• Goal setting
• Good time management
• Controlling distractions
• Overcoming procrastination

5
EXERCISE

• Discuss the various techniques you use to help
  manage your time.
• What works?
• What doesnt work?

6
SMART Goal Setting

• S Specific
• M Measurable
• A Action
• R Realistic
• T Time-based

7
Possible Timeline
Submit - 27 January 2011 Submit - 27 January 2011 Submit - 27 January 2011 Submit - 27 January 2011
Proposed draft deadlines
Draft 1 Draft 2 Final Revision
Ch. 1 - Introduction      
Ch. 2 - Literature Review      
Ch. 3 - Methods      
Ch. 4 - Findings Interviews      
Ch. 5 - Findings Document/Inventory      
Ch. 6 - Discussion      
Ch. 7 - Conclusion      
Abstract      
8
Time Management

• Take a few moments to discuss
• When do you concentrate best?
• When do you actually get things done?
• When and why are there distractions?

9
Time Management Strategies

• Prioritise
• How?

10
Setting Priorities
High Urgency Low Urgency
High Importance 1 Do it now 2 Plan to do it
Low Importance 3 Resist giving it high priority 4 Time Wasters Busy work
11
Time Management Strategies

• Prioritise
• Specificity
• Small bite-size pieces
• Use all available time
• Structure the environment
• Establish a routine
• Scheduling

12
Scheduling Tips

• Time tables
• To do lists
• Prioritising system
• Monitor, evaluate, reward
• Relaxation time

13
Timetable
Time Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
7.00                
8.00                
9.00                
10.00                
11.00                
12.00                
1.00                
2.00                
3.00                
4.00                
5.00                
14
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Early Morning      
Morning      
Afternoon        
Evening      
Late Evening      
15

• CONCENTRATION
• Is the act of focusing our attention and
  abilities.

16
Concentration

• Sources of Distraction
• External
• Internal
• Control Distractions
• Take a few moments to discuss

17
Controlling External Distractions

• Structure study environment
• Establish a routine
• Negotiate
• Physical
• E.g. unplug TV!

18
Controlling Internal Distractions

• List of concerns
• Worry time
• Mind wandering/daydreaming
• Building up time
• Mental rehearsal
• Thinking strategies
• Free up headspace
• Organisation

19

• PROCRASTINATION
• Is to delay needlessly something that we believe
  would be to our benefit.

20
Overcoming Procrastination

• Take action
• Salami technique
• Five minutes
• Work on related tasks
• Do the hardest bits first
• Set goals
• Reward yourself for achievement
• Make commitments

21
Your own procrastination

• Think about one problem that might develop and
  that leads to procrastination
• Describe the problem.
• What is the source of the problem?
• What is the reason for the problem?
• Can you set a goal for a solution be specific?
• With your goal in mind what are your options be
  practical in deciding your options.
• What are the advantages of each of your options?
• What are the disadvantages of each of your
  options?

22
Summary

• Plan, monitor and evaluate your use of time
• Strategy or plan for overcoming procrastination
• Change doesnt come easy small steps!

23
Traffic Light

• Red What will you stop doing
• Amber What you will continue to do
• Green What will you start doing

24
Resources

• http//student-learning.tcd.ie
• http//port.igrs.sas.ac.uk/managingyourtime.htm
• http//www.reading.ac.uk/internal/studyadvice/Stud
  yResources/sta-index.aspx
• www.vitae.ac.uk