Lesson 9 · Managing your time

Lesson 9: Managing your time

Reading and discussion · talking about time, plans and workload

Warm-up

Talk about each question for a minute or more.

  • Which day of the week is best for you to do focused work? Why?
  • What do you usually do first on a normal working morning?
  • What takes most of your time at work in a typical week?

Read

Five lies we tell ourselves about time

If you feel swamped by work, you are not alone. Most of us lose the battle with time before breakfast, because of five small lies.

1. “I'll do it in five minutes.”
Nobody has ever done anything in five minutes. One email takes ten. The reply takes another ten. The truth: double your estimate, then add a coffee break.

2. “I work better under pressure.”
You work faster, because panic makes you quick. But check the result the next morning. The truth: finishing at midnight to meet a deadline is not a talent. It is a habit.

3. “Everything is a top priority.”
If everything is important, nothing is. Your boss, a client and your phone all speak with the same loud voice. The truth: choose one top priority every morning and say it out loud.

4. “I'll fit it in somewhere.”
Your schedule is not made of rubber. A full Tuesday does not get emptier because you wish it. The truth: if something cannot fit in, give it a day and a time, or it will not happen.

5. “I can't postpone this.”
Often you can. Ask: “What happens if this waits until Friday?” Surprisingly often, the answer is “nothing”. The truth: a lighter workload is not about working faster. It is about saying “later” more often.

True or false?

Discuss

  • Which of the five lies do you tell yourself most often? Give an example from last week.
  • Do you work better under pressure or with plenty of time? Explain with an example.
  • What is your top priority today? How did you choose it?
  • What was the last thing you postponed? What happened?
  • Which tip from the text would you try first, and why? What else would you change in your week?

Words from the text

Phrases

Read the dialogue

Jon: Do you have time for a quick call today?

Mia: Honestly, I'm swamped. I'm working on three things at once.

Jon: Can you fit it in tomorrow?

Mia: Maybe. Is it a top priority?

Jon: Yes. The client wants an answer, and we need to meet the deadline on Friday.

Mia: Then I'll fit you in at ten.

Tap a card to turn it

Speaking

Goal: explain how your week is organized and name things you want to change.

1. My week

Describe your typical week, day by day. Then say what you would change.

  • My schedule is usually …
  • The busiest day is … because …
  • My top priority is …
  • I would like to postpone / stop / move …

2. Roleplay: Can you fit it in?

A is swamped and explains the situation. B asks for something. Together, decide what to do. Then swap roles for the next round.

Round 1. A is a product manager with a demo on Wednesday and a report due on Friday. B is a colleague who asks A to join an extra workshop on Thursday.
Round 2 (swap). A is a team lead whose developers have a heavy workload this sprint. B is a stakeholder who wants a new feature before the launch.
Round 3 (swap). Invent your own busy week and the request. B has to be convinced.

3. Free speaking

Talk about the busiest week you remember. Tap each word when you use it.

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Homework

Writing

Describe your typical week: which days are the busiest, what your top priority is this week, and one thing you will change. Use at least five words or phrases from this lesson.

Learn

Study the Quizlet set for this lesson. Then say five sentences about your week aloud.