Hello Everyone!
Today is the day that we’ve all been waiting for. The day when we finally get to begin filling in those blank boxes in your base schedule. If you have no idea what I’m talking about click here!
So, during our last blog we discussed how beneficial it can be to have a prediction of how long an assignment might take to complete. If you missed that blog, click here!
Now let’s look at what we can do with all our available time on our schedule and how we can use it to our advantage!
Step 1: Knowing Your Limits
This step is so important. Before we jump into adding more and more things into our schedule it is important to know your limits. How early can you wake up in the morning? What time do you need to go to bed by? How many hours of sleep do you need? Are there certain days when you are more productive? All of these questions are critical for being able to create a balanced schedule. It can be so tempting to just want to fill in all of the blanks, but it is important to remember that we need a break every once in a while. So, as a challenge try to leave at least one of the squares blank per day. This will force you to do something other than homework that can increase your creativity.
Step 2: Starting at the Beginning
Now that you have created your base schedule make some copies. Whether this is on your computer or printed out make sure that you have your schedule readily available.
Step 3: Another List
I know that you are probably tired of creating lists by now, but if you are like me and have to have everything listed out in order to remember it then here is your chance. Each week begin by creating a list of assignments and tasks that you have to do that week. This list should have three columns. The column to the far left should include the date that the assignment is due, the column in the middle should have its name and the column to the right should have the amount of time it should take to complete the assignment. This list can also include any other commitments that you might have throughout the week that aren’t reoccurring.
Step 4: Matching
Now comes the fun part! Matching tasks to open squares based upon the amount of time that they will take. Organize the tasks based on level of importance and start by finding time for the most important tasks. Save anything that you can do during a different week for a later time. Then start adding these tasks into your schedule!
Step 5: Don’t Forget Breaks
We are all human and that means that we all need breaks. Sometimes adding an extra 15-30 minutes onto the assignment gives you time to take a little break. This is extremely important when trying to be productive. Activities such as reading and walking can be great things to do when taking a break from homework or work. Also, not all of the blank boxes need to be filled. We all need to have a little space in our schedules so that when our friends call us for an impromptu dinner or we forgot about an assignment. We have the time!
Step 6: That’s It
You did it! You have now completed your very first weekly schedule! Congratulations! Next week we will go over what to do if something on your schedule changes unexpectedly.
See you then!
Maria
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