To finish work, any person (NOT just students) must practice some very basic principles of goal-setting and time-management. The person must choose to be dedicated for set periods of time, chosen beforehand, to meet the set goals.
Principles of Goal Setting
- Make a list first of all the work needed to be done. Use columns to list the overall task, the specific task, and the deadline (if any). For example, History Class might be the overall task; Read chapter 5 and answer post-reading questions is the specific task; it must be done before this Friday (and "today" is Monday).
- Break the specific task into manageable pieces. For example, a chapter may have 40 pages and 2 pages of post questions. The reading is one goal, and the questions are a second goal.
- Goals can be broken down into small pieces with a set time limit for each piece. For example, if you have 4 days to read 40 pages you could set a goal of 10-12 pages per night.
- Continue to break goals into smaller pieces to create a balance with other "work" demands. For example, every class has assignments so it might be harder to read all 10-12 pages at one sitting. So instead, break down the goal into smaller units... "I have 10 minutes before dinner; I'll read 4-5 pages in those 10 minutes."
- Adjust the goals based on your individual needs. For example, one student may read fast and can read 5 pages in 10 minutes.... another student may need to go slower and can only read and understand 3 pages in 10 minutes.
- Build a useful reward into your goals. Or use an ordinary daily task as the "reward". For example, "For the next 10 minutes I will do my 100% best reading to complete 5 pages. Then, I'll take a nice shower before dinner."
- If you do small tasks (goals) followed by a small / limited "reward", you can accomplish many tasks (goals) over several hours. For example: Read 5 pages... take nice shower... eat dinner... have mom quiz you on another subject while you wash dishes... spend 20 minutes to do your first goals for your math class...take 15 minute break for a snack... use 15 minutes to begin outline for book report due next week... watch favorite 30 minute TV program as reward... etc.
- Review your To Do list and deadlines at least once or more every day. But always re-read your smaller goals also so you don't feel overwhelmed.
- Stay on track. If you don't meet one of your set goals, start over NOW. Just begin where you left off and promise yourself that you will only take breaks or get rewards when you complete each mini goal.
- Nothing is written in stone. If 30 minutes is too long, try 25 minutes!
Time Management Principles
- We all have 24 hours in each day.
- We all have responsibilities to meet each day.
- Sometimes responsibilities create conflicts. Learn to realize if an activity is taking up too much of your time and learn to cut back on non - essential activities. For example, if practicing for band or Cheerleading takes up too many hours a day and you can't do your homework, the activity must go.
- Any task, even hard ones, are easier to do if broken down into pieces.
- Be reasonable. No one can read 160 pages in 10 minutes AND comprehend what was read. No one can read a whole book and write a good book report in 3 hours.
- Become your own "parent". No one needs to give you "rewards". Set a goal and choose an ordinary activity as your reward or break time.
- Treat school (or the tasks) like you are on a paid job. Don't cheat and not do the work just because you can -- instead, make promises and deals with yourself and do NOT break the promise / deal.
- You can do many small goals with the right plan.
- Always write down your plan, and then work your plan.
- Time is easily wasted. Identify what things eat up your time. Yes, it may feel good at the time to be on the internet... but, if you didn't read your English assignment then you've only hurt yourself (and your future).
- Review your main goals, and your mini-goals, often. If your plan isn't working well, revise your plan.
- Stay on track. Don't procrastinate (put things off). Try to get a little ahead when time allows.
- Use a timer; set a clock. Do the task fully, honestly, for the set amount of time... no cheating.
