Time Management Tips

Review the time management advice below. Some of it is useful. Some of it sounds reasonable but causes problems over time. Decide which tips represent good practice and which do not, then match each one with its meaning. Drag each Time Management Tip to its corresponding definition.

Make It Real

Most people read good advice and forget it within hours. This step is different.

You are going to select the practices that matter most to you, generate a personal commitment sheet, and print it out. Then you will:

Fill in the blanks with a pen — in your own words
Sign it at the bottom
Stick it somewhere you will see it every single day — above your desk, on your door, next to your computer

A signed, handwritten commitment is far more powerful than a good intention. It becomes a daily reminder that you made a decision.

Choose up to three practices you will apply this week:

Postpone tasks that I don't need to do today Avoid interruptions and distractions Delegate unimportant tasks Catch up on overdue tasks at the end of the week Prioritize the most important tasks Get the most unpleasant tasks out of the way first

Answer Key

Note: There are 8 tips and 9 meanings. One meaning on the right will remain unmatched.

❌ Bad Practice – Try to do everything 100% correctly: Always aim for perfectionism

❌ Bad Practice – Delay until a later time or date (phrasal verb): Always put off the most unpleasant tasks

✅ Good Practice – Delay until a later time or date (formal verb): Postpone tasks that you don't need to do today

✅ Good Practice – Things that stop you from continuing OR things that take away attention: Avoid interruptions and distractions

✅ Good Practice – Give a task to someone else: Delegate unimportant tasks

✅ Good Practice – Do what you missed earlier: Catch up on overdue tasks at the end of the week

✅ Good Practice – Decide which tasks are most important: Prioritize the most important tasks

✅ Good Practice – Complete unpleasant tasks first: Get the most unpleasant tasks out of the way first