2.2: Self-Management vs. Time Management

This textbook and class uses the phrase “self-management” rather than “time management.” In our culture, we see “time management” used for this concept so why is the different phrase used here? We’re all given the same amount of time each day, each week and each year. We all have 24 hours per day, seven days per week and 365 days per year. Can we change the time we’re given, or in other words, can we really manage time? No, we cannot, but what we can do is manage ourselves and how we use the time we’re given.

Here’s a video from Stever Robbins, a business consultant and executive coach, explaining this concept: Video Link Self-Management [www.youtube.com]

We can manage ourselves by prioritizing our tasks according to the Quadrant II Time Management System and use the time we’re given according to the self-management tools described earlier in this chapter. What happens, however, if we’ve identified a priority and planned that task in a weekly planner, but then we find ourselves procrastinating? We know the task is important in our life role, and the deadline is approaching, but we just keep pushing off the task.

Procrastination is a habit of delaying tasks until later. One of the primary reasons people procrastinate is fear, or at least a form of fear. Perhaps the task is something difficult or long and involved, and we’re nervous about our ability to accomplish the task. Perhaps the task appears distasteful or may cause negative emotions. Another reason for procrastination is the quest for perfection. We may procrastinate because we don’t think we can have a perfect outcome. Mr. Les Brown, an internationally-known businessman and motivational speaker, says “practice only makes improvement; perfection doesn’t exist.”

Remember - procrastination is a habit meaning the habit can be broken, and behaviors can be changed, and new habits for using your time can be formed. Here are some strategies to combat procrastination listed below. Please implement one or more of these strategies to create new habits for how you approach tasks.

When tackling a project, begin by selecting a small task or chunk from the whole project and focus on completing just that one part. Successfully finishing it will build your confidence and motivate you to keep going. It’s important to manage your expectations and remind yourself that you don’t need to be perfect; just attempt the task with the skills and abilities you currently have, and go as far as you can. If you find yourself stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for help—whether from a friend, classmate, or a HACC resource like an instructor or tutor. Simply asking for advice on how to start can provide a fresh perspective. You don’t always have to follow a strict order, so consider reordering the steps if there’s a smaller, easier task you can complete first. This can help break the ice and give you the confidence to move forward. Lastly, use a time trick: tell yourself you’ll work on the project for just 15 minutes. Once you commit to that small amount of time, chances are you’ll keep going well beyond it, and before you know it, you’ll have made significant progress.

 

PRO TIP:

My student pro-tip involves a strategy to help minimize procrastination. There is an old adage 'Don't eat the elephant all in one bite.' We often wait until the last minute to tackle a big project, and create ridiculous amounts of stress for ourselves. To help avoid this, break down large time-consuming goals and projects (exam preparation, writing assignments, research papers, creative projects, group work) into smaller chunks. This tactic is also known as "chunking." Start soon after the project is assigned and create a schedule where you intentionally set aside a small amount of time (30 minutes to one hour) each day to work on it. As you make your way through the week, be committed to completing your chunk for the day and track your progress in a visible way by using a calendar or whiteboard. After you complete your daily chunk, reward yourself for your efforts! All of these short periods of daily work add up significantly over time, and you will surprise yourself by how much you accomplish.

- Robert Swatski, Professor of Biology