Why Manage Your Time?

Everyone gets the same 24 hours in a day. The difference between feeling stressed and feeling in control is how you use those hours.

Less Stress

No more last-minute panic before deadlines!

Better Results

More time to do quality work and check it.

More Free Time

Finish tasks faster so you can enjoy hobbies and friends.

The Eisenhower Matrix: What Comes First?

Not all tasks are equally important. The Eisenhower Matrix (named after a US President!) helps you decide what to do first by asking two questions: Is it urgent? and Is it important?

DO FIRST

Urgent + Important

• Homework due tomorrow
• Studying for a test today
• A project that is overdue

SCHEDULE

Not Urgent + Important

• Project due next week
• Practising a musical instrument
• Reading for fun

DELEGATE

Urgent + Not Important

• A friend asking you to play right now
• Tidying your room before guests arrive
• Answering a non-urgent message

LATER

Not Urgent + Not Important

• Watching random videos
• Scrolling through social media
• Reorganising your sticker collection

Breaking Big Tasks into Small Steps

A big task can feel overwhelming. But when you break it into small, clear steps, each one feels manageable. Here is an example:

Big Task: "Write a report on Australian animals"

1

Choose 3 animals to write about

2

Research each animal (15 minutes each)

3

Write notes on key facts

4

Write introduction paragraph

5

Write one paragraph per animal

6

Write conclusion and check spelling

Tip: You don't have to do all the steps in one sitting! Spread them across different days and tick each one off as you go. Each tick gives you a little boost of satisfaction.

Beating Procrastination

Procrastination means putting off something you need to do. Everyone does it sometimes! Here are two powerful tricks to beat it:

The 2-Minute Rule

If a task takes less than 2 minutes, do it right now. Don't put it on a list — just get it done!

Examples:

• Put your lunchbox in the sink
• Write the homework in your diary
• Reply to a simple message

The Pomodoro Technique

Work in short bursts with breaks in between. Named after a tomato-shaped timer!

1

Work for 25 minutes

2

Take a 5-minute break

3

Repeat! After 4 rounds, take a longer break

Key Vocabulary

Prioritise

To decide which tasks are most important and do those first.

Procrastination

Delaying or putting off tasks that you need to do, often doing easier or more fun things instead.

Eisenhower Matrix

A grid that helps you sort tasks by how urgent and important they are.

Deadline

The date or time by which a task must be finished.

Knowledge Check

Test your understanding of time management. Select the correct answer and click "Check Answer".

Question 1

In the Eisenhower Matrix, which tasks should you do first?

Urgent and important Not urgent and not important The easiest tasks The most fun tasks

Question 2

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

Eating a tomato before you study Working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break Studying for 3 hours without stopping Only studying on weekends

Question 3

According to the 2-Minute Rule, if a task takes less than 2 minutes, you should:

Add it to your to-do list for later Ask someone else to do it Do it right now Ignore it completely

Question 4

Why is breaking a big task into small steps helpful?

It makes the task take longer It is only useful for maths problems It means you can skip some of the steps It makes each part feel manageable and less overwhelming

Question 5

You have a maths test tomorrow, a science project due next week, and you want to watch TV. Using the Eisenhower Matrix, which should you do first?

Study for the maths test because it is urgent and important Start the science project because it is bigger Watch TV because it is the most fun Do nothing and hope for the best

Time Management & Organisation