Make an Action Plan
How to build an action plan in three easy steps:
This resource explains how to improve productivity by changing your mindset, making a clear plan, and consistently following it. It focuses on staying organized, managing your time, and regularly checking your progress to reach your goals.
- Take away the deadline and focus on the outcome.
- Influence your mindset long-term with tools like to-do lists, schedules, etc.
- Reflect and reset your plan as needed to align with your goals.
- Prioritize your goals and tasks. (e.g., The Pickle Jar Theory or the Eisenhower Matrix)
- Time Block your schedule: Limit a time block to 90 minutes for big projects.
- Work in short bursts toward the big goal.
- Do not multitask.
- Schedule time to plan each week.
- Hold yourself accountable.
- Stay flexible.
- Use your focus hacks during your working time. (e.g., 80/20 Rule – Eat the Frog)
- Reflect and reset every 30 days.
Productivity Methods and Resources
There are many different methods that can help you prioritize tasks and manage your time more effectively. The resources below introduce practical strategies for organizing your workload, focusing on what matters most, and getting things done efficiently.
Time management methods:
Greenwood, H. (2022, February 8). 9 popular time management techniques and tools: USAHS. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.usa.edu/blog/time-management-techniques/
How to stop procrastinating by using the "2-Minute Rule". James Clear. (2020, February 4). Retrieved July 7, 2022, from https://jamesclear.com/how-to-stop-procrastinating
Martin Seligman. Pursuit of Happiness. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/martin-seligman-psychology/
TEDxTalks. (2017, December 19). The Philosophy of Time Management | Brad Aeon | tedxconcordia. YouTube. Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXBA4eWskrc
The Complete Guide to time blocking. Todoist. (n.d.). Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/time-blocking#introduction
YouTube. (2022, March 8). Brad Aeon: Everything you always wanted to know about time management (but didn't have time to ask). YouTube. Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDtndIDvKy0
Need More Help?
Looking to improve your student skills? Book with a coach! To learn more about Academic Coaching, see the What is Academic Coaching page.