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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

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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