Help to boost your grades

We all know the feeling of being under pressure to complete an important task before a certain deadline.  For example, completing an important assignment or preparing for an examination.

The effective management of your time can be crucial and will help you to make the most of the opportunities open to you.  Time management skills can be learned so that you can make effective use of the time that is available to you.

Step 1 Start by simply evaluating the way in which you presently use your time.  

Try keeping a record of your activities over a complete seven day period.  Then, analyse your activities.  Highlight any time that you felt was wasted.  Are there any particular times of the day when you have lots of energy and work well?

• Set yourself clear and realistic objectives.  Do not try to achieve too much.
• Plan your schedule carefully.
• Prioritise activities into – 

• Maintain self-discipline – set time limits and stick to them.  Do the things which require the greatest concentration at those times when you are most mentally alert.  Are you a morning or an evening person?
• Do not postpone difficult tasks.
• Try to think ahead and plan for the future.
• Control your environment to eliminate interruptions.
• Do not undertake unnecessary tasks; delegate work when appropriate.
• Make use of short periods of time e.g. for planning an assignment.
• Monitor the use of your time regularly and analyse any interruptions.

Step 3 Make a list of your objectives....

and the tasks required to complete them over a further seven days.  Analyse your progress over this period and then check to ensure that you are managing your time more effectively.