Time Management Planning

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Planning is a great tool for time management. It doesn't just mean planning study tasks but also organizing leisure time, rest, and breaks.

With planning, you ensure time for both studying and recovery. It becomes easier to set boundaries for your free time and detach from work tasks when you have scheduled them and know how much time is allocated to each. Having a clear plan also makes it easier to start tasks since you know exactly what to do.

When planning a larger task, break it down into smaller steps:

• What should you do each day?
• In what order?
• When should you work?
• What could help you complete the task?
• When will you take breaks? (Keep in mind that a break at the computer isn't refreshing if you're working on a computer. A short walk, looking out the window, or chatting with a friend is more refreshing.)
• Make a step-by-step list that moves you toward your goal. Use your previous time-tracking data to create a schedule—this way, you'll know how much time tasks actually take (compared to time optimism), making your schedule more realistic.

Your goal should be as specific and concrete as possible. Ensure it is realistic and achievable within the given time frame. For example, a broad goal like "finishing the essay" can be broken into a small, concrete milestone for the day, such as "writing 100 words by 3 PM." Think of it like a recipe—before the dish is ready, you must complete multiple small steps, such as preheating the oven and chopping ingredients. Apply this approach to your studies as well.

A detailed schedule is especially useful if you struggle with keeping to deadlines. You can also use time management tools and apps (e.g., Trello) to assist you.

Finally, review whether your plan is realistic. Is it concrete enough and achievable?

Remember, planning is just the beginning. Be careful not to get too caught up in planning—take action!

Track Your Schedule Adherence

• Consider whether you have taken on a reasonable amount of tasks or if you are trying to do too much in too little time.
• If you find it difficult to stick to your schedule, adjust your plan and refine your timeline.

Planning is always uncertain—it’s an estimate of how things might progress. Along the way, changes may occur due to your current energy levels or external circumstances. It’s natural for plans to evolve, so it’s good to prepare for this in advance.

If you realize you’re not following your plan anymore, acknowledge what you have already accomplished and appreciate yourself for it. Then review your plan again—could the tasks be broken down into even smaller, more concrete steps?

Exercises

• Create a personal schedule that includes both study time and free time.
• Allow enough time for recovery. The more unfinished recovery you have, the more restorative time you should include.
• Plan a concrete daily schedule. Make sure not to take on too much at once. You can, for example, set one or two goals for the day and see how they feel.
• Try planning at the end of your study session what you will do the next day, or plan for a longer period at a time.
• Remember to take sufficient breaks. The Pomodoro technique can help with this—it allows you to set a study session duration and a break period. The default setting is 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer break after several sessions. Experiment to find what works best for you.
• Plan your studies on a weekly or monthly level so you can track progress on a larger scale. Write down the tasks that need to be completed within the week or month.