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Making Time
for SCHOOL
You’ve heard the old adage “I just need to find more time.” The reality is we rarely find non-designated time to
do things in addition to an already busy schedule. We actually have to make time by reorganizing schedules or
removing things in order to create space for something new. As you transition to Los Angeles Pacific University,
we’d like you to take a moment and reflect on your current weekly routines in order to determine where and
when you can plan for school.
There are 168 hours in every week. That sounds like a lot; however, many of those hours are designated for
activities that cannot be altered such as work, sleep, and normal everyday life activities. This leaves a small but
realistic number of hours that would be considered discretionary hours—the time you can actually choose to
use differently.
Create a list of activities you do every week that
cannot be altered.
Example: From 168 total weekly hours, subtract:
MY PLAN
From 168 total weekly hours, subtract:
131 hours that can’t be changed
168 total weekly hours minus 131 hours leaves:
37 hours of discretionary time per week
• Sleep
• Work
• Commute
• Eat/Food Prep
• Dress/Bathe
• Life Maintenance
56 hours (8 hrs x 7 days)
40 hours (8 hrs x 5 days)
10 hours (1 hr each way)
14 hours
7 hours
4 hours
___________ hours that can’t be changed
168 hours minus _____________ hours =
___________ total discretionary hours
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________
_______ hours
_______ hours
_______ hours
_______ hours
_______ hours
_______ hours
_______ hours
_______ hours
_______ hours
STEP ONE
lapu.edu
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Using this basic schedule as an example, plan out a “typical” week blocking out the time that is already reserved
for such things as work, family, or other outside activities. Every week might be slightly different but try to
capture those consistently scheduled items that typically do not change. Be as detailed as you can to best
reflect a usual week of activities.
To be successful in your classes you’ll need to plan for approximately 14 hours for each class to do your
coursework. This would include watching presentations, reading material, and completing required assignments.
With this in mind, return to your weekly plan and insert the blocks of time you will set aside for school work.
Making time is going to be key to your success. Communicating with friends and family about your intentions
to redirect your discretionary time toward school will encourage their support. You have made the choice to go
to school. That’s wonderful. Now choose to set the time aside to succeed.
STEP TWO
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
SATURDAY SUNDAY
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Work
8 AM - 5 PM
Work
8 AM - 5 PM
Work
8 AM - 5 PM
Work
8 AM - 5 PM
Work
8 AM - 5 PM
Family Time
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Family Time
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Family Time
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Family Time
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Family Time
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Gym Time Volunteer Work
8 PM - 10 PM Gym Time Time with Friends
SATURDAY SUNDAY
Home Chores/Family Time
Sporting Events
Family Time
Church
Time with Extended Family
EXAMPLE
MY PLAN
Rev 1/2019