Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/1089890
✓ Increase your focus by getting rid of distractions, like your cell phone. If you don't want to turn it off, put it on silent and make sure it's out of reach. ✓ Stay completely away from social media when you're working on school work, including when you write, research, send school-related email or participate in required class discussions. ✓ Give yourself a time limit for tasks like returning emails, making phone calls or checking your social media. Without a time limit it's easy for five minutes to turn into an hour. ✓ Set aside study time and make sure that you consistently stick to it. Mark it on your planner just like an appointment, and make sure everyone knows that you're not available during this time. ✓ Plan out your month by known events, adding in family appointments, study time and assignment due dates. ✓ Set a couple of weekly goals at the start of each week. Focus only on the most important tasks you need to complete and don't give yourself more than two or three items. This is a good way to prioritize if you're feeling overwhelmed. ✓ Plan your study time around focusing on a single, achievable goal or task. If you simply set out to study with no goals, you may find that you are aimless and not productive. ✓ Don't be afraid to say no! Over obligating yourself can make being a grad student harder than it should be! ✓ Delegate tasks whenever you can, especially if you're stressed out or up against a deadline. Things like housework and errands can often be handled by someone else. ✓ Give yourself permission to ask and accept help. Keep in mind, however, that people can't read your mind and won't know what you need unless you speak up! Easy time management tips Getting a handle on your time doesn't have to be hard. A few changes in how you view your work, and a commitment to planning and removing distractions, can give you back control over your most valuable asset. TIME MANAGEMENT Productivity Thieves Can't get it all done? The real problem may not be how much you have to do, but how much time and productivity are being stolen from your day. Here are some culprits that may be to blame: • Being on your cell phone • Checking email • Checking social media • Ineffective meetings • Internet browsing • Being disorganized • Failure to plan ahead • Failing to set goals