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