Time Strategies

(Time. Web Source: pixabay)

If time is money, why don't we start with looking into how to invest our time? In today's busy world, setting aside time to plan wisely is often forgotten because that would take up too much time. Luckily, Laura has set up our course to where we are able to set aside time to manage and create a game plan for how we will spend our time when completing this course.

I have always been a list person, so The Psychology of Checklists: Why Setting Small Goals Motivates Us to Accomplish Bigger Things caught my eye right away. It was interesting to learn that our brain releases small amounts of dopamine when we achieve small amounts of success. These small amounts of success that Marchese is talking about is achieving small S.M.A.R.T. goals that we set for ourselves. These goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. The dopamine that is released gives us the energy and motivation to continue to cross of accomplishments from our checklists. While completing a reading assignment may not be a true "reward", there is a special satisfaction that comes with removing it from your to-do list.

Because I often fall victim to procrastination, I decided to read How To Beat Procrastination. One of the main portions of this article that stood out to me was how to make the cost of the action feel smaller. First, it is important to identify the first step and tie it to a treat. Often the hardest part is starting. Next, it wants you to identify and remove the hidden blockage. It is often another commitment that is getting in the way of starting. To avoid this, it is helpful to set daily goals of what is most important for that day the night before. That way, there is a time for everything to have a turn at importance; it's just that not everything can be the most important every day.

B A L A N C E is key.