Time Management & Overcoming Procrastination
PhD Skills Event
Caroline ForsythAdapated from presentation by Dr. Tamara O’Connor
Workshop Objectives
• Explore principles of goal setting and time management
• Learn about ways to control concentration
• Explore reasons for procrastination
• Review strategies for overcoming procrastination
Self-Management
Manage self and resources
– Planning
• Differences
• Expectations
– Monitoring
– Evaluating
Planning Strategies
• Goal setting
• Good time management
• Controlling distractions
• Overcoming procrastination
EXERCISE
Discuss the various techniques you use to help manage your time.
• What works?• What doesn’t work?
SMART Goal Setting
• S = Specific
• M = Measurable
• A = Action
• R = Realistic
• T = Time-based
Possible Timeline
Submit - 27 January 2011
Proposed draft deadlines:
Draft 1 Draft 2 Final Revision
Ch. 1 - Introduction
Ch. 2 - Literature Review
Ch. 3 - Methods
Ch. 4 - Findings Interviews
Ch. 5 - Findings Document/Inventory
Ch. 6 - Discussion
Ch. 7 - Conclusion
Abstract
Time Management
Take a few moments to discuss:•When do you concentrate best?•When do you actually get things done?•When and why are there distractions?
Time Management Strategies
• Prioritise• How?
Setting Priorities
High UrgencyHigh Urgency Low Low
UrgencyUrgency
High High
ImportanceImportance11
Do it nowDo it now2 2
Plan to do itPlan to do it
LowLow
ImportanceImportance33
Resist giving Resist giving it high it high prioritypriority
44
Time Time WastersWasters
Busy workBusy work
Time Management Strategies
• Prioritise• Specificity• Small bite-size pieces• Use all available time• Structure the
environment• Establish a routine• Scheduling
Scheduling Tips
• Time tables
• To do lists
• Prioritising system
• Monitor, evaluate, reward
• Relaxation time
Timetable
Time Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun7.00
8.00
9.00
10.00
11.00
12.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Time Monday Tuesday WednesdayEarly Morning
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Late Evening
CONCENTRATION
Is the act of focusing our attention and abilities.
CONCENTRATION
Is the act of focusing our attention and abilities.
Concentration
• Sources of Distraction– External– Internal
• Control Distractions
Take a few moments to discuss
Controlling External Distractions
• Structure study environment• Establish a routine• Negotiate• Physical
– E.g. unplug TV!
Controlling Internal Distractions
• List of concerns• Worry time• Mind wandering/daydreaming• Building up time• Mental rehearsal• Thinking strategies• Free up headspace• Organisation
PROCRASTINATION
Is to delay needlessly something that we believe
would be to our benefit.
PROCRASTINATION
Is to delay needlessly something that we believe
would be to our benefit.
Overcoming Procrastination
• Take action• Salami technique• Five minutes• Work on related tasks• Do the hardest bits first• Set goals• Reward yourself for achievement• Make commitments
Your own procrastination
Think about one problem that might develop and that leads to procrastination:
Describe the problem.What is the source of the problem?What is the reason for the problem?Can you set a goal for a solution [be specific]?With your goal in mind what are your options [be
practical in deciding your options].What are the advantages of each of your options?What are the disadvantages of each of your
options?
Summary
• Plan, monitor and evaluate your use of time
• Strategy or plan for overcoming procrastination
• Change doesn’t come easy – small steps!
Traffic Light
• Red – What will you stop doing
• Amber – What you will continue to do
• Green – What will you start doing
Resources
• http://student-learning.tcd.ie
• http://port.igrs.sas.ac.uk/managingyourtime.htm
• http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/studyadvice/
StudyResources/sta-index.aspx
• www.vitae.ac.uk