Prioritizing: The ABC Method for Organizing your day

The ABC method for organizing your day:

Take 5-10 minutes at the beginning of your day (or end of the day before) to prioritize all the things you have to do (or think you have to do.)

1.     Make a list: include specific homework goals, such as ‘practice problems from chapter 5’ or ‘read pages 60-80.’ Also include chores, fitness, or anything else you need to accomplish.

2.     Prioritize the List: The productivity Matrix is a helpful tool for doing this. You should have very few A’s and some B’s. C’s and D’s are worth keeping an eye on if you find your plans taken over by procrastination; however, they are also activities you may look forward to when the important work is done.

3.   Break Down your List: Can ‘problems from chapter 5’ become ‘odd problems 1-10’? Or how about ‘clean sink, clean bathtub, etc.’ instead of the overwhelming ‘clean bathroom.’ How much can be done in 25 minutes (if using Pomodoro technique) ?

4.     Fit the list in with your fixed schedule:

Can you fit in an hour of reading before class? Or a page of math problems before work? WHEN, specifically, will you accomplish your goals?

5.     Continuously evaluate What’s working for you? What isn’t? What times of day are you most focused and where?