Time Management Guide

For students and working professionals

Outline
1. Procrastination
2. Eisenhower Matrix
3. Time blocking
Reading time: 5 minutes 4. How your phone destroys you
Time saved in future: infinite 5. Work efficient effective
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Procrastination
Why we delay and how to overcome it

Understanding procrastination Why it happens

Procrastination is that annoying habit of putting off important Fear of failure

tasks, only to feel stressed and rushed later. We’ve all been We might avoid starting because we’re worried we won’t do it
there: knowing we should be studying but ending up scrolling well.
through social media instead.
Perfectionism
Procrastination often comes from fear—fear of failure, fear of Waiting until we feel "ready" or everything is perfect can hold us
discomfort, or sometimes just feeling overwhelmed by the sheer back.
size of a task. Our brains are wired to avoid things that feel hard
or uncomfortable, so we look for ways to distract ourselves. Overwhelm
Sometimes a task seems so big that it’s hard to know where to
start.

Instant gratification
Our brains are attracted to things that feel good in the short
term, like checking social media, rather than things that have
long-term benefits, like studying.

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How to handle procrastination

1. Break tasks into smaller steps 3. Set realistic goals

When something feels overwhelming, break it down into bite- Be clear about what you want to achieve in each session. Don’t
sized steps. For example, instead of "study for exam," make a aim too high; small wins build confidence.
plan to "review chapter 1".
4. Reward yourself
2. The 5-minute rule After completing a task, treat yourself with something small. It
Commit to doing something for just 5 minutes. Usually, you’ll end could be a 10-minute break or a snack.
up continuing once you’ve started.

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The Eisenhower Matrix
Prioritizing what matters
Urgent Not urgent
The Eisenhower Matrix is a powerful tool
for deciding what needs your attention. It
separates your tasks into four categories Do first Schedule it

Important
based on urgency and importance. These are tasks that will help you in
These are tasks that require
the long run, like studying or
immediate attention, like a fast-
This system helps you avoid spending time preparing for an exam weeks away.
approaching deadline. You
on things that feel urgent but aren't truly These tasks often get delayed but
should focus on these tasks first.
important. should be prioritized.

How to use it

At the start of the week, list your tasks,

then sort them into the four categories. Not important Delegate it Eliminate it
Focus on doing the urgent and
These tasks demand your attention These tasks are distractions and
important tasks first, but make sure to
but don’t contribute much to your should be cut out, like excessive
schedule time for the important but not
long-term goals. Whenever social media scrolling or binge-
urgent ones.
possible, delegate them. watching shows.
Delegate or drop tasks that don’t help
you meet your goals.

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Time Blocking
Structuring your day
How it works
Time blocking is a method where you assign specific tasks to
blocks of time throughout your day. This strategy helps ensure
1. Choose your tasks
you’re dedicating enough time to the things that matter while
Start by listing the tasks you need to accomplish. Include
keeping distractions at bay.
everything from studying and assignments to personal time and
breaks.

Today's schedule 2. Create blocks of time

Allocate specific times for each task. For example, from 10 AM to
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Study for Math 11 AM, you could block out time to read a chapter for class.
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Break
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM Review notes for Biology 3. Stick to the schedule
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Work on assignment The key to time blocking is discipline. Stick to your blocks and
avoid doing other things during that time.

4. Include breaks
This method helps you create a daily structure, reduces the Don’t forget to block time for breaks. A 5-10 minute break every
chance of distractions, and gives you a sense of control over hour can help you recharge and stay productive.
your time.

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Phones and procrastination
How your phone is wasting your time

Our phones are productivity killers. Notifications, messages, and How to take back control
endless scrolling eat away at valuable time, even though we only
mean to take “quick” breaks. 1. Turn off notifications
Limit the apps that can send you notifications, especially during
Why phones distract us study time.

Instant gratification 2. Use focus modes or Do Not Disturb

We're wired to seek quick rewards. Notifications and social Both iPhone and Android have features that block non-essential
media give us that dopamine hit. notifications when you're working.

Constant availability 3. Set phone-free time blocks

With our phones, we feel the need to respond to every message During study sessions, keep your phone out of reach or turn it off.
or notification instantly, even when it’s not urgent.
4. Limit social media time
Multitasking myth Set daily limits for social media apps to prevent endless
We think we can check our phone and work at the same time, scrolling.
but studies show this actually slows us down.

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Time management techniques
Working more efficiently and effectively

Pomodoro Technique Spaced repetition

One method to work more efficiently is the Pomodoro Technique. Instead of cramming all your studying into one session, spread it
This involves working in focused bursts, usually 25 minutes, out over time. Review material at increasing intervals to improve
followed by a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoros, take a long-term retention.
longer break (15-30 minutes). This keeps you focused while also
giving your brain time to rest. Batching tasks

Active recall Batching involves grouping similar tasks together. For example, if
you need to reply to emails, set aside a specific time to reply to
Rather than passively rereading notes, test yourself on the all of them at once instead of checking throughout the day.
material. This engages your brain more deeply and helps you
remember information better.
Focus on one thing at a time

Multitasking sounds productive, but it actually reduces

efficiency. Concentrate fully on one task at a time, finish it, and
then move on to the next.

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Conclusion
Mastering time management is a skill that requires
practice. By understanding procrastination, using
the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize, structuring
Putting it all together your day with time blocking, reducing phone
distractions, and adopting efficient work methods,
you’ll be well on your way to making the most of
your time as a student.

If you want to get video and course material

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me and need more support, join my
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Templates
Urgent Not urgent

__________________ __________________

Important
__________________ __________________
__________________ __________________
__________________ __________________
__________________ __________________
Not important

__________________ __________________
__________________ __________________
__________________ __________________
__________________ __________________
__________________ __________________

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Time Task

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