Prioritising Your Study with a Time Management Matrix
For adult learners balancing a course with work, family or both, effective time management is crucial. The Covey Time Management Matrix, also known as the Eisenhower Grid, is a powerful decision-making tool that helps you prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance. By using this method, you can move beyond simply reacting to deadlines and instead focus on what truly matters for your academic success and overall well-being.
How do I use the quadrants?
The matrix divides all your tasks into four quadrants:
- Quadrant 1: Urgent & Important (Do Now): These are tasks that require immediate attention. For students, this could be a last-minute assignment or revising for an upcoming exam. While it’s important to complete these, spending too much time here indicates poor planning and can lead to stress.
- Quadrant 2: Important, but Not Urgent (Schedule): This is the quadrant of effective personal management. These tasks are critical for long-term goals but don’t have an immediate deadline. For an adult learner, this includes planning your study schedule, reading ahead, conducting research, and attending a tutorial. Prioritising tasks here prevents them from becoming urgent, helping you avoid Quadrant 1 stress.
- Quadrant 3: Urgent, but Not Important (Delegate): These tasks often demand your attention but don’t contribute to your main goals. While you might not be able to delegate family responsibilities, you can be more intentional about how you manage them. A phone call that interrupts your study or a last-minute request from a colleague might fall into this category. Mute notifications or let others know not to disturb you to reduce these distractions.
- Quadrant 4: Not Urgent & Not Important (Eliminate): This is the quadrant of time-wasters. This includes mindless scrolling on social media, excessive TV watching, or other unproductive activities. It’s important to identify and eliminate these habits to free up time for more important tasks.
By regularly applying this matrix, you can proactively focus on Quadrant 2, ensuring that you are always working towards your goals rather than just reacting to deadlines. This approach fosters a sense of control, reduces stress, and makes your learning journey more sustainable and successful.
Share your story
I truly want this resource to grow with your input. If you’re a working parent studying in HE, or if you simply resonate with these challenges, I invite you to make contact. Share your story, your unique experiences, the strategies that work for you, and any advice you have for others. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community for adult learners.
