2. How you normally manage your time
This section is all about self-reflection. If you want to improve in any skill, you first need to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
The questions below will help you to focus on your current ways of managing your study time. This is the first step to identifying any areas that you need to improve, and it will help you to make time-management decisions that suit your personality and habits, and that will work for you.
Time Management Self-Assessment
Study habits
- Do you prefer to study alone or in groups?
- Do you have a specific place where you like to study?
- Do you make long-term plans, for example for the whole semester?
Procrastination habits
- Do you find yourself putting off certain types of tasks?
- What triggers you to procrastinate?
Time management strategies you have used
- Have you used any time management techniques?
- Which time management techniques have you used before?
- Which one worked best for you?
Stress and anxiety levels
- How often do you feel overwhelmed by your tasks?
- How do you cope with stress?
Distractions
- Are you easily distracted, for example by social media or TV?
- Do you keep your phone switched on when you are studying?
Multitasking
- Do you find that you are often doing other things at the same time as you are studying?
- Do you try to find a time or place which is away from other tasks or responsibilities?
- Do you find that you take on too many tasks?
Think about your answers and what they mean for you. Can you think of possible solutions?
For example, if you struggle with procrastination, you might find it helpful to:
- set specific deadlines for tasks
- break large projects into smaller tasks,
- use a timer to limit the amount of time spent on distractions,
- Have a good study place ready and set up so that you can easily start.
Or, if you struggle with overcommitment, you might benefit from:
- setting clear and realistic goals
- learning how to say "no," and
- prioritizing activities based on their importance and urgency.
