Personal Productivity and Life Management
*Course Description*
This course empowers students to take control of their personal and professional lives through effective time management, goal setting, financial literacy, and stress reduction. Students will learn practical strategies for balancing priorities, building healthy habits, and fostering resilience in a fast-paced world. Topics include self-assessment, productivity tools, budgeting, and emotional intelligence.
*Learning Objectives*
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Assess personal strengths, weaknesses, and values to align with goals.
2. Apply time-management techniques to prioritize tasks and reduce procrastination.
3. Create a budget and understand basic financial planning principles.
4. Develop strategies for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
5. Use digital tools to enhance productivity and minimize distractions.
*Required Materials*
- *Textbook:* Atomic Habits by James Clear or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
- *Tools/Apps:* Time-tracking apps (e.g., Toggl, RescueTime), budgeting software (e.g., Mint, Excel/Google Sheets).
- *Readings:* Articles on mindfulness, financial literacy, and productivity (provided via course platform).
*Course Evaluation*
| Component | Weight | Details |
|-------------------------|--------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Participation | 10% | Engagement in discussions, workshops, and peer feedback. |
| Time Audit Report | 20% | Track and analyze personal time use for one week; propose improvements.|
| Budgeting Assignment | 20% | Create a personal budget and financial plan. |
| Wellness Plan | 20% | Design a 4-week plan for physical/mental health (e.g., exercise, sleep).|
| Final Project | 30% | Personal development portfolio (goals, habits, reflections). |
*Weekly Schedule*
*Week 1: Self-Assessment and Values*
- Identifying core values, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Activity: SWOT analysis for personal growth.
*Week 2: Time Management Fundamentals*
- Eisenhower Matrix, Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule), and prioritization.
- Workshop: Building a weekly schedule.
*Week 3: Overcoming Procrastination*
- Causes of procrastination and evidence-based solutions.
- Activity: "Eat the Frog" challenge.
*Week 4: Goal Setting and Accountability*
- SMART goals, OKRs (Objectives and Key Results).
- Case Study: Analysing successful personal/professional goal journeys.
*Week 5: Financial Literacy Basics*
- Budgeting, saving, debt management, and investing fundamentals.
- Workshop: Creating a personal budget.
*Week 6: Health and Wellness*
- Sleep hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
- Guest Speaker: Nutritionist or mental health professional.
*Week 7: Digital Productivity and Distraction Management*
- Tools for focus (e.g., Pomodoro Technique, app blockers).
- Activity: Digital detox experiment.
*Week 8: Building Habits for Success*
- Habit loops, keystone habits, and habit tracking.
- Workshop: Designing a 30-day habit challenge.
*Week 9: Emotional Intelligence and Resilience*
- Self-awareness, self-regulation, and coping with setbacks.
- Activity: Mindfulness and journaling exercises.
*Week 10: Work-Life Integration*
- Setting boundaries, saying "no," and avoiding burnout.
- Case Study: Balancing career, family, and personal growth.
*Week 11: Adaptability and Future-Proofing*
- Navigating change, lifelong learning, and skill development.
- Workshop: Creating a 5-year personal roadmap.
*Week 12: Final Project Presentations*
- Students present personal development portfolios.
- Course reflection: "What’s next for me?"
*Course Policies*
- *Attendance:* Mandatory for workshops and peer activities; exceptions for emergencies.
- *Late Work:* 10% penalty per day (up to 3 days late).
- *Confidentiality:* Respect peers’ privacy in sharing personal goals/challenges.
- *Accommodations:* Notify the instructor in advance for disability-related needs.
