The Golden Rule

Attempt → Hint → Verify → Produce lives on your calendar: attempt in the study block, use hint time wisely, schedule verify time before deadlines, and produce (export PDFs) with buffer.

Step 3: Reminders That Help, Not Nag

Reminders should support action, not create noise. Use three types:

1. Start reminders (5–10 min before a block): “Begin Algebra P1. Open Paper I.”

2. Deadline reminders (T-2 days and T-2 hours): “Assignment due Wed 4 p.m. Export PDF today.”

3. Check-in reminders for ongoing work: “Mon/Wed/Fri 7 p.m. 15-min reading.”

For big deadlines, set internal deadlines: T-2 days = draft ready, T-1 day = verify + export PDF, T-0 = submit. Write these right in the event description so you can’t forget the mini-milestones that actually deliver the work.

Keep email reminders for deadlines and mobile notifications for starts. If alerts become noise, reduce them—reminders should be rare enough that you listen.

Step 4: Buffers, Travel, and Contingencies

Reality needs space. Add travel buffers before fixed events (15–30 minutes depending on your route). Put a Prep buffer before presentations (“Test slides + PDF open”). Add a Power-cut buffer for printing: export PDFs the day before and mark files Available offline (Lesson 2). If you rely on shared computers, block a Lab/Print slot and include the shop’s location in the event description.

Buffers protect your dignity: you arrive on time, with a working file, calm.

Step 5: Review & Plan (The Weekly Reset)

Once a week—ideally Sunday evening—open your calendar and hold a short meeting with yourself.

1. Look back: which blocks did you keep or miss? Move any unfinished items forward.

2. Adjust: change durations, swap slots, or split chunky tasks into two smaller ones.

3. Confirm: deadlines, buffers, and the No-Device Hour.

4. One improvement: decide a single habit to test (e.g., “Morning maths for 45 minutes”). Write it in the description.

A 20-minute reset saves hours of last-minute stress.

Step 6: Sharing & Invites (When Others Are Involved)

For group projects, create an event and invite teammates using their emails. Keep the default to “Guests can see event details”; allow modify only for a trusted co-owner. Write a clear agenda in the description and attach links (view-only by default). For family support, you may share your calendar read-only or forward PDF summaries of the week.

If you receive an invite, RSVP (Yes/Maybe/No). Not answering creates confusion and missed marks.

Step 7: Low-Data & Mobile-First Habits

Use the Calendar widget on your phone’s home screen. Keep your week cached by opening it on Wi-Fi. When data is tight, check Agenda view and avoid switching calendars repeatedly. If you expect a power cut, screenshot the key day and store it in Assets as a quick reference.

Bad vs Better (Real Scheduling Choices)

Sample Color Key (copy this idea)

Essentials vs Nice-to-Have

Exercises: Build Your Week

Exercise 1 — Set the Frame (10–15 min) Open your primary calendar (same account as Lesson 2). Create color labels and set default event length. Place anchors: classes, shifts, sleep.

Exercise 2 — Study Blocks (15–20 min) Add 4–8 Big-3 blocks with verbs. Put them where focus is high. Add short descriptions (what to open first) so you start fast.

Exercise 3 — Deadlines & Buffers (10–15 min) Add this month’s assignments/exams. For each, create T-2 draft and T-1 verify/export events. Add travel/prep buffers as separate grey events.

Exercise 4 — Routines (5–10 min) Add Weekly Device Care (15 min) and No-Device Hour. Create Review & Plan (Sun, 20–30 min) with a short agenda in the description.

Exercise 5 — Produce (2 min) Take a screenshot of your Week view (with color key visible if your app supports it). Save it in Outputs as a PDF or PNG named correctly.

Quick Win Add one buffer before your next fixed event today. That single move reduces lateness and stress immediately.

Artifact to Produce

Study Week Screenshot showing color-coded time blocks, at least one deadline with T-2/T-1 events, one Review & Plan, one Weekly Device Care, and one No-Device Hour. Save to Outputs as: YYYY-MM-DD_Study-Week_Screenshot_V1.pdf (or .png if preferred)

Self-Verification (SV) Checklist

• One primary calendar set; Week view used

• Color key applied (study, classes, deadlines, buffers, wellbeing)

• 4–8 Big-3 study blocks with verbs in titles

• Deadlines have T-2 draft and T-1 verify/export events

• Travel/Prep buffers added around fixed events

• Weekly Device Care and No-Device Hour scheduled

• Review & Plan (Sun) event with a short agenda

• Start reminders and limited deadline reminders configured

• Power-cut plan in place (PDF exports day-before; offline files marked)

• Study Week Screenshot saved to Outputs with correct name

Mobile Tip (Android & iOS)

Add the Calendar widget to your home screen for one-tap access. In event details, attach the doc link you’ll work on (view-only is fine for solo). Use Schedule send from Lesson 7 to match your events—if a block ends at 9:45 a.m., schedule your submission email for 9:50 a.m. Keep mobile notifications limited to starts and deadlines only.

Stuck? Fast Fixes

• “Too many reminders!” Keep starts + T-2/T-1 only. Delete the rest.

• “I miss blocks anyway.” Put a trigger in the title: “Start Algebra P1 – open Paper I now.” Put the file link inside the event.

• “Travel eats my study time.” Move one block to mornings at home; keep bus-friendly tasks (flashcards) in Notes for commute.

• “Power cut ruined my submission.” Export PDF the day before; mark files Available offline; add a print buffer event.

Common Roadblocks (and Simple Fixes)

If your week looks perfect but doesn’t happen, the blocks are too ambitious or too long. Split 90 minutes into 2 × 45 with a break. If you keep moving the same block, schedule it earlier in the day or tie it to an anchor (“after breakfast”). If invites or group tasks cause chaos, write a one-line agenda and attach links to the event; everyone sees the same source of truth.

“A useful calendar is a promise you keep, not a picture you admire.”

Keeping Yourself Motivated

Your first color-coded week is a quiet victory. You’ll notice how a verb in a block pulls you into action, how a buffer cuts lateness, and how Review & Plan makes bad weeks shorter. Record two wins in your Portfolio README: “Submitted PDF on time using T-1 verify event,” and “No-Device Hour made Monday study easier.” Small systems produce big calm.

Your First Step Is Complete

You’ve built a single, reliable calendar with study blocks, buffers, wellbeing routines, and reminders that respect your attention. Your Study Week Screenshot is saved in Outputs, and your week is ready to run.