How
to make a study schedule that suits you!
Much like endurance studying, continuity is an important tool for
ensuring progress within your chosen field of work. A lot of
individuals set themselves a goal and then fail to achieve it,
despite their efforts throughout a section of time.
So
why is it that they fail?
Because the action in itself is not enough to effect change.
Above is a simple statement that thousands of individuals forget.
Every time they set a goal or continue with an idea that they've had
for a long time – their minds are stuck in the present.
Working in the present is fantastic if you're in a business meeting,
interview or using your innovation for your schooling or business.
However when we're reaching goals, it's time to move on from the
present and into the future.
This year in 2016 I'd love for all my readers to make a pledge. Not
to lose weight, not to read more, not to spend more time studying,
but to complete your goals more consistently. Take pride in how you
do things, set up a methodical process for achieving those goals.
Yes you can become a fast typist, yes you can become an endurance
runner – but inconsistent training won't do anything. Training too
much one day, too little the next and not at all the day after is
similar to building a tower with uneven bricks. You could do it –
but it will be very unstable and take a lot more work.
Instead, follow
these tips to ensure whatever goal you're working at to make the
perfect time table!
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| First step - plan it out |
Make
a practice schedule
Whether you're a professional or a student, you have to know three
basic things about making schedules. Surprisingly. Some top
professionals still make mistakes when scheduling in their work and
relaxation times. Follow these guidelines to ensure you don't make a
fatal planning mistake.
a) Estimate the time it will take you to complete a task
and double it
Too often we estimate the time it will take to complete a task –
and we take too long! The extra stress that this causes is not
something that you want to be dealing with this year. Instead, make
sure that when you estimate how long you will be spending on each
task, e.g., Folding laundry – you don't short change yourself. By
doubling the time you estimate, it's guaranteed that you will never
run behind schedule.
 |
| Never leave out things you enjoy doing |
Note; if you're blocking in time for exercise don't double it. As
long as you're giving yourself a minimum of 30 minutes solid exercise
per day it's enough!
b) Never assume that you will work through things you
enjoy
I'm sure all of my readers – myself included- are guilty of being a
little overzealous when blocking out the month's schedule.
Who hasn't thought 'oh no, I don't need to visit grandma on the
weekend – I'll Skype her!' Of course, we all know that isn't going
to work out. You're going to miss Grandma's cooking, and she's going
to miss seeing you.
When you make your monthly/weekly timetable block out social
engagements and times where you will relax. It's not hard to realise
that you're not a robot – yes you will take the entire afternoon
off to lie about in your pyjamas, and that's okay! After all, a
stressed brain is as useful as an unfocused one.
c) Use colours that mean something to you
Your schedule has to be memorable to you.
Hate that physiology lecture? Great! Colour it red – now you'll
never forget it's on Wednesday. Do you always have coffee with your
friend? Perfect, give that block of time brown stripes.
 |
| Use colours that mean something to you |
This kind of colouring exercise may seem childish- but in the end,
it's more important that you feel connected with your schedule than
just like it is another part of your working day. This schedule
integratwith your day to day operations. Whether you revel in routine
or not – I can't name a single professional that doesn't use a
schedule!
Make sure you get a jump start and start learning to effectively use
your schedule today.
- Don't stress about how others will judge your schedule
Again you are a person; your schedule is your own. Whether's it full
of times to work, exercise and work some more – or a flexible
relaxation/work-time balanced schedule it's not a place for others to
judge you.
I know the first time that I made a study schedule I was terrified to
let anyone see encase they thought that I wasn't working hard enough.
However I quickly learned studying more didn't necessarily mean that
I was studying better.
Similarly, you may operate better with a long lunch break or Tuesdays
off while others prefer to work three weeks straight before a few
days break. Remember that each break or block of work time is your
personal choice. Don't be intimidated because others work more or
less than you.
e) Be realistic
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| Add some notes down the bottom to remind you of important things |
Instead, be realistic and give yourself decent breaks and schedule in
the things you can't bear to miss first. That way you'll be able to
find a work schedule that fits your needs rather than a schedule that
feels more like hellish nightmare.
Additionally, you should be aware that life changes, people get sick
or ask favours. If you can't keep up with your schedule, don't panic!
You haven't written it in stone, rearrange events or just use it as a
simple guideline to help yourself remain productive through the
chaos.
f) put it somewhere you will see it
This
point is the most important thing in the post, – if you don't use
your schedule, it's useless. I can't tell you how many hours people
have spent designing beautiful schedules, with decorations, colours
and perfectly laid out time blocks; only to stuff it under a pile of
textbooks and never look at it again.
A schedule it what you make it- and if you want to make it good then
make sure you use it. A few good places to pin your schedules too;
1.
Take a picture of it and save it onto your phone
2.
Take a photocopy and pin it up in your work cubicle
3.
Pin it to your bulletin board or blue tack it to your wall
4.
Join a studyblr, fitblr or similar community and share your
intentions with them
Whatever your goals or intentions – I wish you the best of luck in
achieving them!
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