Introduction

Hello and welcome to time management module!

During this exercise you will create a colorful representation of how you typically spend your time during an average week.

During this exercise, you’ll probably want or need to pause this presentation allowing for additional time to complete a particular task.

Worksheet

Let's optimize your workspace for this module. Depending on your comfort level with Excel and whether you're using a PC, laptop, or mobile device, there are various methods to complete this module.

We’ll start with options designed for PC or laptop users comfortable with Excel. The first option asks that you work within the provided online example worksheet. At the conclusion of the module, you will then be able to email yourself a copy using the form just below the example worksheet.

Your second option asks that you click the 'Download Worksheet' button below to save the spreadsheet locally. This file can then serve as a reference for future adjustments.

Your third option is designed for PC or laptop users unfamiliar with Excel or those using a tablet or mobile device. In this case, you can download and print the worksheet to work with it manually. To actively participate, this option requires you have various colored markers, pencils, or crayons ready.

Download Worksheet

Block out Cells

Throughout this activity, I’ll ask you to block out various cells using different colors.

To block out a cell, highlight and then select a color of your choice to fill in the cells.

We are blocking out the cells to avoid accidentally overlapping activities.

Step 1

The first thing you’re going to do is block out the cells of when you’re typically asleep.

Once you’ve completed this step, go to the bottom of the Excel sheet to where it says “Key.”.

In the square next to the one that says “sleep”, change the cell color to the one you used to represent when you’re typically asleep.

Step 2

The second activity you’ll block out time for is when you’re physically in class including any required lab time a course might need.

If you’re an online student, please wait until we’re a little further into the exercise to incorporate your online courses.

Step 3

The next activity we’ll account for is when you’re at work.

For those of you who work, but have an inconsistent weekly schedule, try to block out the time best you can.

It may help to use your schedule from last week to represent the time you spend at work. Then color code your key.

Step 4

The next activity involves blocking out time for the daily activities such as: getting ready for the day, commuting time, and eating. Color code your key for this step.

Step 5

The next activity is what I refer to as a “commitment”.

Commitments are regularly occurring weekly events that cannot be moved to another time or day.

Some examples include: church, family gatherings, going to the gym, taking care of a family member, weekly meetings, carpools, practice for a team or group activity and so on.

Step 6

The next phase of this exercise it to account for the time it takes to complete all of the activities that must be done on a weekly basis but are not restricted by time or day.

When you complete them is up to you. I refer to these types of activities as “maintenance”.

Examples of maintenance activities include: laundry, grocery shopping, housework, and paying bills.

Step 7

Optional activities are things you do on a somewhat regular weekly basis that you enjoy doing when you’re not involved with any of the previously covered activities.

Examples of optional activities include: watching TV, playing on the computer or gaming, shopping, getting together with friends, reading, listening to music, or just about anything else you enjoy doing.

Do your best to account for these times.

Step 8

Finally, the last activity to incorporate is study time.

Accounting for study time isn’t an exact art; however, research shows that you need to study on average 3 to 5 hours a week for each credit hour of class.

For those of you taking online classes, you’ll need to find an additional 3 hours per week for each class you are taking.

Conclusion

If you were able to find enough study time, congratulations! You’ve just completed this exercise.

For those of you who are unable to find the necessary time, then it is time to give your schedule a little make over.

People rarely realize the amount of time they spend on optional activities or how adjusting their schedule a tiny bit makes a big difference.

Conclusion

Prior to the schedule makeover, let’s say you still needed 8 hours of study time.

You discover through this process that, by waking up a half-hour earlier a few times a week and reducing the amount of time spent on optional activities, you were able to easily find the necessary study time needed on a weekly basis.

Now, fill out the form for yourself, and if required, submit it per your instructor’s directions.

Exit

This module is now concluded.