Tutorial 2: Developing Sustainable Study Habits

We all begin each week with 168 hours. Estimate the number of hours per week that you will dedicate (on average) to each of the activities below and add them together to get a total. Figuring out how many hours you spend on activities is the first step to getting organized.

Add up the estimated Hours/week you spend on each of these areas of your life

• Personal time with God
• Church and ministry commitments
• Regular Time with family & friends
• Regular time of rest
• Meals (= ____ hours per day x7)
• Exercise (= ____ hours per day x7)
• Sleep ( = ___ hours per night x 7)
• Rest & Relaxation
• Hobbies
• Study and Assignment work (add approx. 10hrs/week for each Unit - including lectures if on campus)
• Paid work
• Other responsibilities 

• If your total is more than 168: You’ll have to cut back. There simply aren’t enough hours available. Reassess the time you’ve set aside above and decide what you can reasonably reduce.
• If your total is between 160 and 168: You have a very busy schedule! Consider cutting back. This may not be a manageable schedule as you don’t have enough time for the unpredictability of life. Reassess the time you’ve set aside above and decide what you can reasonably reduce. If you can’t possibly cut back any more, continue on to make a detailed plan for your time.
• If your total is less than 160: Congratulations! You have designed what should be manageable commitments of your time. The next step is to plan when you will accomplish all of your responsibilities.

Decide your "Not-negotiables" in your 168 hours

It is a good idea to decide now what will be not-negotiable activities in your week. This may include attending church or a small group, having a day or half-day of rest, dedicated time with family or friends, going to the gym, lectures etc. Once you have these decided you should add them to your working calendar, book them in like any other appointment and don't cancel them. Sharing these with others who will hold you accountable, including your mentor/s is helpful! 

Reflect: your 168 hours

Reflect below what this activity has highlighted for you. Are there areas of your life that you know will be pressure points? Do you need to reassess your commitments? What are your not-negotiables? 

Pray together with your Mentor or someone else that God will help you grow 'fit' while you study at College. Dedicate your 168 hours to God.