Most of us complain about not having enough time-there never seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything we need or want to do. However, there is a remedy. "It all has to do with our habits, and with an effort these habits can be replaced with positive ones," says psychologist Cem Özgen, a staff member at the Student Development and Counseling Center.
"Time management" is the key phrase in rectifying scheduling problems. It means distributing our time effectively among our goals, responsibilities, amusements, and social life so that we can achieve our goals without missing out on the enjoyment of life. However, there are some personal obstacles to time management that many of us face: perfectionism, procrastination, self-esteem issues, the inability to say "No", and underestimation of the workload. Mr. Özgen suggests some techniques to overcome these problems. "First, determine your main aim, then determine the sub-goals (short-term goals) needed in order to reach the main aim. Then draw up a plan." In making up your plan put the things you should or want to do into four categories:
1) Urgent and important things
2) Urgent but unimportant things
3) Not urgent but important things
4) Not urgent and unimportant things
After categorizing the actions, draw up a long-term schedule together with weekly plans. Preparing a plan and then ignoring it is a situation that most of us are familiar with. Mr. Özgen highlights some important points in the preparation of weekly plans. "Be tolerant and realistic while preparing your plan, reward yourself with enjoyable activities which will motivate you, and constantly re-evaluate your plan." For further information about time management and preparing weekly plans, call the Student Development and Counseling Center at ext. 1785/1786.
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