Time Tamer online training brought youth workers together to explore procrastination, time management and stress. Two courses combined reflection, practical tools and real-life case studies. Each course lasted six hours across two days.
The starting point was a familiar question: what happens when we keep putting off an important task? Understanding that situation matters because youth workers encounter competing responsibilities in their daily practice. The sessions connected these themes with supporting young people.
Understanding the procrastination cycle
The first course, Breaking the Procrastination Cycle, explored procrastination and its impact. On the first day, participants examined the cycle and reflected on ways to interrupt it.
The second day focused on prevention strategies, SMART goals and case studies. Participants analysed real-life situations, proposed solutions and connected the learning with youth work practice.
One possible application is to make a broad task more specific. «Prepare the workshop» could become «choose three activities by Thursday». This is an example of applying the approach, rather than a quotation from participants.
However, the most useful next step depends on the situation. Discussing different cases created space to consider that variety.
Exploring time and stress together
The second course, Beat the Clock, Beat the Stress, explored stress, willpower and emotional responses. It also covered stress triggers and time management techniques.
During the second day, participants worked on coping under pressure and developing a personal stress management plan. Finally, the course included reflection, evaluation and a closing session.
Time Tamer online training therefore connected two issues that can arise in everyday youth work. The aim was to help participants turn course content into practical choices.
Learning through European cooperation
Time Tamer is co-funded by Erasmus+. Its partners are Fundacja Fenomen in Poland, Politistikos Laografikos Omilos Dasous Achnas in Cyprus, Gençlik Işığı in Türkiye, and Meraki Projectes.
Working together creates opportunities to share approaches across organisations. It also provides a setting for adapting tools to different professional contexts.
For further exploration, Youthpass offers resources on recognising non-formal learning. The European Youth Portal brings together information and opportunities for young people. These are complementary references for readers interested in youth learning.
Bringing the learning into practice
Time Tamer online training invites us to consider how we organise tasks and support other people. A useful starting question is which specific change we could try in our next youth activity.
Explore the wider aims on the Time Tamer project page, available in Spanish. Discover more cooperation and learning initiatives through Meraki Projectes.