Making the “ Why ” Tangible . The next step is to find a tangible object , photo , or drawing that reminds you of your “ why .” This object will help you to refocus yourself during times of challenge . Put this tangible item out in front of you every day . If it is a card or a photo , place it on a mirror , the refrigerator , or even the dashboard of your car so you can see it every day . Keep a copy on your computer screen , with your books , or on your desk . Keep it visible so that you will not surrender or admit defeat . My students have used photographs , charms , key chains , index cards , and pictures their children drew to keep them focused . If it worked for them , why not you ?
The Value of Time Once you define your “ why ,” consider the importance of time management and its influence on your success . Your first step is to determine the actual value of time . If I were to steal $ 20 from your pocket , you might argue or even fight with me . But how often do we allow people or situations to take away 20 or 30 minutes of our time and think nothing of it ? Somehow , we devalue time , even though there is no way to recapture it once it is gone . You can get access to money one way or another , but time is lost forever once used ( or misused ). Having worked with many dying patients , I have never heard them ask for a bigger car , a bigger house , or a bigger bank account ; they want more time . Consider this fact when you determine how you will “ invest ’ your time . Time is a finite commodity , be sure to plan for successful use of time ; by failing to plan , you plan to fail .
Eliminate Time Stealers . Time stealers come in many forms . Consider your television , computers , and phones . There are times when we put on the television for just a half-hour and the next thing you know , hours have passed . The computer can get us sidetracked too . Hours can be lost in aimless searching , instant messaging , and e-mailing . Of course , you need to use the computer , but as a tool . It needs to be a part of your “ my time ” schedule if you enjoy it for recreation . Keep a timer to remind you when the allotted time is over . Lastly , the phone is another “ time stealer ” that is never out of reach . Is it vital to respond to every call or text ? Absolutely not .
Avoid activities that are not in accord with your goals . It is incredible that while studying , we become aware that there is dust on the shelves , laundry is piling up , or it is time to change the oil in your car . As a result , we get distracted and perhaps don ’ t go back to our studies . When distractions happen , reflect on your “ why ” and focus on your goal .
Make a plan . Set daily , weekly , and semester-long goals . All of us have 168 hours each week ; it is how we use these hours that creates success . Be proactive , not reactive . Put together a weekly schedule . Create a grid of hourly intervals for one week at a time . First , place onto your grid activities over which you have no control . These could include classroom hours , lab hours , clinical hours , and work hours . Assigning these first will decrease your stress later . Next , put in time intervals for studying , travel time for work and school , food prep and eating , sleeping , family / friends time , household chores , and personal hygiene . Be specific so you can gain control of your time . Do not forget personal time for you to relax . Allocate at least 15 to 30 minutes for yourself every day to prevent burnout .
Consider study multitasking . Often , we are frustrated waiting for an appointment , say at the physician ’ s office or while waiting for a car repair . Take along your tablet , a book , or journal to read during those minutes . It will decrease your frustration related to waiting as well . These little snippets of time will add up . You can also make study recordings to listen to while in the car . A commute of 20 minutes each way to school gives you 40 minutes of study time each day . If you do this three days weekly , you gain 2 hours of additional study time . You essentially create for yourself a “ rolling university .”
Consider your biological clock . Concentration is better at different times of the day . When study time is in accord with your biological clock , it is most effective . There are times of the day when it is easier to read , concentrate , and retain information . Be attentive to using those times of the day to study . Plug those hours into your grid , and do not allow yourself to lose track of them . And be sure to take short 10-minute breaks during study time but keep track of time .
Consider your study environment . Your environment influences information retention too . Think about being in class ; if it is too cold or hot , it becomes difficult to concentrate . Use environmental influences to your advantage . For example . If you are a person who loves to be outdoors , take your tablet or books and head to the park . If the quiet of a library works best for you , go there and use that location to keep you focused . Create your personalized best study environment .
What About Emergencies and Special Events ? When emergencies happen , do as your car GPS does when you go off course — that is , recalculate . But , if these emergencies are coming up frequently , you need to assess if these are true emergencies , or are you allowing outside influences to control your schedule ? Be firm with yourself and set limits with others . What about special occasions ? Place them into your weekly grid but remember that you will need to find study time elsewhere . Be true to your study hours .
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