University of Maine Division of Student Affairs

Time Management: LESSON 1

How to Get Things Done in Time

The 3 most valuable time management techniques are:

Time Facts#1:

Each week contains 168 hours. Are you utilizing this time to your best advantage?

Make a "To Do" List
Write down everything you would like to accomplish in the next week on a 3 X 5 card or on a pad of paper you carry with you. Each item is only a word or a phrase. Give no thought to the importance of each item.

Prioritize the "To Do" List
Not all items on your list are of equal importance. Many individuals rank order all items assigning a "1" to the most important item, a "2" to the next most important, etc., to the least important. You begin each day by tackling #1 before you touch any other item and proceed numerically through the list.

Another technique is to write a capital "A" beside those items that you MUST DO, a "B" for items that are IMPORTANT to do, and a "C" for items of LOWER value. This technique offers variety and flexibility. You should tackle all "A" items before you begin a "B" item, and of course, all "B's" before your start on "C's". Cross items off the list as you complete them to motivate you to go on to the next priority item on your list.

Schedule items on the "To Do" List
To insure you will complete all your "A" tasks, schedule these items into your appointment book like you would a doctor's visit. Items that are scheduled have a much better chance of being accomplished. And when possible schedule assignments throughout the day to allow for unforeseen problems as well as unexpected appointments.

NOTE: The University Bookstore has FREE student planners (more elaborate calendars/planners are available for $3 to $10). The first thing to do once you have a planner is schedule all of your exam dates, term papers, presentations as well as significant social events such as Family and Friends Weekend, Homecoming, etc. In this way you can quickly see what's coming at you and plan your time and schedule accordingly.

REMEMBER: There is always enough time to do the really important activities. The difficulty is deciding what is really important and focusing on it.

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