Time Management: Working Smarter Handout Activity 1

How to Break Down a Task

Do you find yourself putting off doing tasks that are difficult, time consuming, or that you do not like to do? That is human nature. We often are overwhelmed when a job seems too large or is one we don’t like doing.

Waiting until the last moment to complete a task may actually increase your stress level. Think about one of the tasks on your list that you do not like to do or that is difficult to complete. Can someone else help you with the task or do it for you? If you assume responsibility for the task, how can the task be broken into parts? Can parts of the task be done ahead of time?

What other ways can you break it into smaller tasks that would work well for you and your family?

What other activity can be done at the same time, so you are doing two (or more) things at once?

Eating &______________________________ &____________________________

Watching T.V. &_______________________ &____________________________

Waiting on others &_____________________ &____________________________

Talking on phone &_____________________ &____________________________

Exercising &__________________________ &____________________________

Remember to keep activities SAFE and respectful of people.

Name the “BIG” task ... putting a name to the task is the beginning step.

Now what are some parts that make up the “BIG” task that can be done in little ways?

To continue, click here: Time Management: Working Smarter Handout Activity 2