ABCs of getting things done
D: Influencing time delays
One important aspect influencing how you get your things done is the time you have for completing the task in question. If the task completion has no deadline, the student can be in an unclear state, not knowing whether to get started with the task or not. If the deadline is far away, it is typical to not get started with it because it is easy to think that there is plenty of time to do so later. This could be the case with a larger exam or project or, for instance, with the thesis. On the other hand, if you only have little time to complete the task, it could be that the last-minute pressure can make you complete the task efficiently or maybe you start feeling paralyzed and decide that you won’t do the task anymore in that time. If you want to get things done, it is important to try to influence this factor of time.
Next, we will present some methods with which you can try to influence time pressure. Submit your exercises to the folder below if you want feedback.
1) Division into subgoals
If the task that you need to get done is large and its deadline is far away, it is often important and useful to break it up into subgoals. Subgoal division can be done in many ways, but it is important that the subgoal is sufficiently concrete and its deadline is close enough.
One method for creating effective subgoals is the SMART method.
2) Pomodoro technique
Give yourself a small task. Allot a relatively small period for its completion, for instance 5 minutes, 20 minutes or 1 hour. Set your alarm to ring after that period and start working on the task. When the alarm rings, stop working and congratulate yourself for having completed the task. Have a short break and do the same again. This "tomato or pomodoro-technique" is widely used, and it has several different versions and applications. Many people find it as a well-functioning method to get things done more.