DRAWING EFFECTIVE TIME PLANS

Time never seems to be enough, sometimes you wonder if the hour of the day is actually up to 24 or lesser. But wish as you may, you cannot push forward or backward the hands of the clock.
Bearing in mind the limited time you have within which to complete work for your bachelor’s degree, you will agree with me that there is a need to have in place a ‘time plan’ to effectively manage your time from time to time.

In evolving a practical time plan one can not overlook the need to PRIORITIZE – put first things first. It is also of note that those who plan ahead often end up far better than those who do not.
Spending some hours at the beginning of each semester to plan ahead of the semester, as boring as it sounds definitely makes life easier for one, and helps to keep your overall goal in focus…you find it easier to turn in assignments on time, you are adequately prepared for tests and examinations etc.
The following tips can help you develop, practical time plans.

1. Identify and keep in mind the goal(s) you want/need to achieve at the end of a time period (e.g. a semester, a session, a week etc).
2. Identify and draw a list of all activities necessary to achieve these goals (e.g. attending classes, tutorials etc) and other general activities (e.g. playing soccer, attending fellowship etc).
3. Compare your lecture timetable, as well as the time schedule of other productive activity(s) you are involved in.
4. Assign priority to each activity then arrange all your activities in the order of their priorities.
Place for example your lectures and other academic activities first and allot adequate time for each activity leaving enough room for REST and RELAXATION in between activities.
5. Carry a card for each day, upon which the day’s activities and the allotted time is legibly written, to serve as a reminder.
6. Review your time plan, to accommodate changes in your interests and priorities only and never for frivolous reasons.
Note: Never loose sight of the school’s calendar of events, your time plan should be based on your University’s calendar.
I hope you have learnt one or two things here. If you have comments, questions or suggestions then get in touch. Wish you the best of all timesExcerpted from my book ‘SURVIVING THE ODDS’.
OLUWAKOREDE ASUNI
+234 805 624 9391