In Time Management Part 1, we talked about identifying several blocks of time on your calendar during the week to complete your school assignments. We emphasized that different tasks should be completed in the beginning, middle and end of the week rather than trying to accomplish everything on Saturday or Sunday.

In Part 2, we will talk about where to do your work. Humans tend to be territorial. We are very conscious of our environment and take our cues from it. Much of this happens on an unconscious level. It is important for you to identify a space within your home where you can be enclosed in your own version of Maxwell Smart’s “cone of silence.” You should always work in the same place and be able to leave your computer, books, pens, pencils, etc. out and ready to use.

If you are fortunate enough to have a large house, stake out an extra bedroom as your “office.” If not, you might want to set up a small desk in a corner of your bedroom. If the bedroom is too crowded or is currently used by family members for another activity such as TV watching, the next choice is the dining room table. Note that I said “dining room table,” not “kitchen table.” Most of us do not use our dining room tables on a daily basis. Having your “office” in the dining room may even provide you with the additional benefit of a guilt-free reason to go out to eat!

The bottom line is that you need to establish a space and always use the same space. Avoid the practice of trying to balance your laptop on your lap while you sit on the couch watching the Sunday game on TV or sitting in the family room watching your children play while attempting to work. This is not the time for multi-tasking. Working at the same day and time and in the same location in your house will send a clear signal to your brain about the importance of the task. You will be able to work more effectively and efficiently.