Time management refers to the process of exercising conscious control and planning and organizing the amount of time that one spends on particular activities with the aim of increasing efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness. Excellent time management skills improve productivity since they allow an individual to achieve much in less time. Poor time management, on the other hand, may lower effectiveness and cause stress, mainly when deadlines are not met. This assignment explores the aspect of struggling with time management as well as the changes that can be implemented to improve the behavior.
Behavior Description
I have struggled with time management for a long time, a factor that has cost me great opportunities. There are several notable instances when I have struggled with time management. In the first instance, I was participating in a writing competition where we were assessed by excellent writing skills, quality content, as well as timely submission of the essay. We were given one week to complete the essay; however, rather than working on the essay as soon as I received the instructions, I kept postponing and only started writing a few hours to the deadline. I realized that the essay needed one to conduct extensive research on the topic before writing, and since I did not have the time, I relied on minimal research, which led to a weak quality essay. Further, I missed the submission deadline leading to the deduction of some points. Although I was among the best writers in our class, the poor time management denied me an opportunity to write an excellent essay, therefore, missing out on the award for the best writer.
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During the second instance, I missed an opportunity to pay half the price for a movie theater and ended up paying more than the average price to watch a film. The theater had an offer for people who came before noon, whereby they were to pay half the price, while those who came past noon paid an extra $20 for the standard charges. Although I had planned to take advantage of the offer, I did not qualify for the offer because I arrived late. In the third instance, I found myself reading for a math test throughout the night since I had procrastinated reading until a day before the test. During the test, I struggled with sleep and ended up performing weaker than in other tests.
Explanation of Behavior according to Lewin's Equation
The equation, B = f (P + E + PE ), helps in explaining behavior, where B is behavior, which is an f (function) of P, referring to the factors that are internal to a person, E referring to the environmental factors that influence behavior, and PE, referring to the interaction between a person’s internal factors and the surrounding environment. Based on Lewin’s equation, P comprises of such factors spontaneity , perceiving tasks as accessible and achievable in a short time, and motivation. E comprises of the influence of the behavior of other people, while PE comprises of the total effect of the combination of P and E factors.
Person Variables
The two critical personal variables that influence my struggle with time management include spontaneity, whereby rather than embracing conscientiousness or planning ahead, I complete tasks when I find it necessary. The failure to plan on time is the primary factor that leads to my lateness. Further, I am lazy to start working on tasks, a factor that contributes to my tendencies to procrastinate, and eventually end up failing to meet deadlines.
Environmental Variables
The environmental factors that influence my behavior include social motivation, where most of my friends and family members are not keen on planning, and they often complete tasks when they are almost due. I have acquired the behavior from my peers and family majorly through observational learning. Further, social roles influence my behavior, whereby I have many duties to perform at home, and since I regard them more urgent, I tend to give them priority over schoolwork, meeting friends, or entertainment among others.
Predictions of the Consequences of Poor Time Management
Five years from now, I expect to be working and have a family as well; hence, improving my time management skills is crucial. The consequences of failing to improve on time management will include increased stress due to the need to balance between family needs, work, and personal needs. Stress will have a negative impact on my workplace since it lowers efficiency and productivity. Additionally, poor time management would lower my productivity at the workplace since I would not be able to reach an optimum level of performance. Continued poor performance may increase my chances of dismissal, which may leave me without an income despite having a family to support financially.
Proposed Change
The fundamental changes that I consider making to improve my behavior include, first, enhancing punctuality by planning my day either in the morning or a day before and preparing a schedule of all the activities that I am to execute as well as the time that I should spend on each event. Secondly, I consider setting goals, weekly, daily, and monthly, and maintaining an evaluation and performance standard to ensure that I eliminate all the factors that deviate my focus from the key priorities.
