McGraw-Page Library: HAC/Library Academic Support Series: Time/Energy Management (10/21)

Time/Energy Management

Time is an equal opportunity resource

Effective time/energy management is what makes the difference between high and low performance as college students and professionals.

When you don't control bad habits, those habits will take over your time and put limits on your achievements.

Time/energy management isn't only important for succeeding in college, but every successful professional has tools and systems in place. Your systems will evolve over time, which is why it is important to start the habit now.

Each of us gets 168 hours to spend each week. No more, no less.

4 classes= 16 hours in class + 2 hours per class outside of class (to complete work, review notes, read, etc.)= 32 hours per week
Sleep 8 hours a night= 56 hours per week
80 hours= remaining each week

Time is an unusual commodity:

It cannot be saved
It is a nonrenewable resource
It is highly elastic
- We cannot make more time, but time will stretch to accommodate what we choose to put in it

Weekly Time Management Template
Whether you want to measure where you spend your time during the week or you'd like to create a map of where you WANT to spend your time during the week, use the Weekly Time Management Template to help you get organized.

Habits

Atomic Habits by James Clear

If you are interested in learning more about Habits, Atomic Habits by James Clear is a great read.

Easy & proven Way to Build good habits & break bad ones.

If you are having trouble changing your habit, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system.

Bad habits repeat themselves again and again, not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change.

You do not rise to the level of your goals.

You fall to the level of your systems.

Habit Score Card
The Habits Scorecard is a simple method you can use to become more self-aware and notice habits and behaviors that you may overlook. To create your own Habits Scorecard, start by making a list of your daily habits. Start at the beginning of your day and write down each habit you do: wake up, turn off your alarm, make your bed, brush your teeth, etc. The longer and more comprehensive you make your list, the more effective it will be. Once you make your list, ask yourself, "is this a good habit, a bad habit, or a neutral habit?" Use the template to create your own Habits Scorecard.
Habit Stacking
One of the best ways to build a new habit is to find a habit you already do each day and stack your new behavior on top of it. In other words, your current habit becomes the trigger for your new one. This document provides a template for creating your own habit stack and a few additional ideas of how to put the concept into practice.
Habit Tracker
The Habit Tracker is a simple way to measure whether you completed a habit. Cross off each day you stick to your desired routine/new habit. For example, if you wish to meditate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, each of those dates receives an "X." As time rolls by, the calendar becomes a record of your habit streak. "Don't break the chain" is a powerful mantra. Habit tracking is powerful because it leverages multiple laws of behavior change. It simultaneously makes a behavior obvious, attractive and satisfying. Use the Habit Tracker to make habit tracking as quick and easy as possible.

The best way to start a new habit is with this algorithm:

I will [BEHAVIOR] at [TIME] in [LOCATION]

How to Build New Habits By Taking Advantage of Old Ones

Productivity Tips

Five (5) Productivity Systems for Procrastination

Setting habits, getting organized and holding yourself accountable will help you tackle any task. Remember- GOALS are about the results you want to achieve. SYSTEMS are about the processes that lead to those results. Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress. If you are battling procrastination, try some of the tips below to help you crush the task at hand.

Eisenhower Matrix: Define the urgency and importance of each task you have to help you be mindful of your priorities.
Pareto Analysis: Use the 80/20 rule to maximize your output with minimum effort and input.
Parkinson’s Law: Use the power of a deadline to complete tasks faster.
Pomodoro Technique: Use a timer to break down work into intervals and take regular breaks to reduce the number of distractions.
2-Minute Rule. Crush procrastination and eliminate distraction by creating momentum in just 2 minutes.

Five (5) Productivity Tips to Crush Procrastination

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