- you worry you might forget something, write it in the margin of your planner's page a week or two away.
- • your list. Lists often include little things that may take only a few minutes to do, so • your list. Lists often include little things that may take only a few minutes to do, so check your list throughout the day you have a moment free.
- • out or check off things after you've done them- doing this becomes rewarding. • out or check off things after you've done them- doing this becomes rewarding.

Don't use your to - do list to procrastinate. Don't pull it out to find something else you just 'have' to do instead of studying

### Time Management Strategies for Success

The following are some strategies you can begin using immediately to make the most of your time:

- • to be successful. When planning ahead for studying, shift your thinking into the • to be successful. When planning ahead for studying, shift your thinking into the right mood. Focus on the positive. 'When I get these chapters read tonight, I'll be ahead in studying for the next test, and I'll also have plenty of time tomorrow to do X.' Visualize yourself studying well!
- • your best - and most appropriate - time of day. Different tasks require different • your best - and most appropriate - time of day. Different tasks require different mental skills. Some kinds of studying you may be able to start first thing in the morning as you wake, while others need your most alert moments at another time.
- • up large projects into small pieces. Whether it's writing a paper for class, • up large projects into small pieces. Whether it's writing a paper for class, studying for a final exam, or reading a long assignment or full book, students often feel daunted at the beginning of a large project. It's easier to get going if you break it up into stages that you schedule at separate times - and then begin with the first section that requires only an hour or two.
- • the most important studying first. When two or more things require your attention, • the most important studying first. When two or more things require your attention, do the more crucial one first. If something happens and you can't complete everything, you'll suffer less if the most crucial work is done.
- • if you have trouble getting started, do an easier task first. Like large • if you have trouble getting started, do an easier task first. Like large tasks, complex or difficult ones can be daunting. If you are stalling on the more crucial task, switch to an easier task you can accomplish quickly. That will give you momentum, and often you feel more confident tackling the difficult task after being successful in the first one.
- • you're feeling overwhelmed and stressed because you have too much to do, • you're feeling overwhelmed and stressed because you have too much to do, revisit your time planner. Sometimes it's hard to get started if you keep thinking about other things you need to get done. Review your schedule for the next few days and make sure everything important is scheduled, then relax and concentrate on the task at hand.
- • you're really floundering, talk to someone . Maybe you just don't understand what • you're really floundering, talk to someone . Maybe you just don't understand what you should be doing. Talk with your instructor or another student in the class to get back on track.
- • a break. We all need breaks to help us concentrate and avoid getting burned out. • a break. We all need breaks to help us concentrate and avoid getting burned out. As a general rule, a short break every hour or so effectively recharges your study energy. Get up and move around to get your blood flowing, clear your thoughts, and work off stress.
- • unscheduled times to work ahead. You've scheduled that hundred pages of • unscheduled times to work ahead. You've scheduled that hundred pages of reading for later today, but you have the textbook with you as you're waiting for the bus.