Know if you have enough time to complete every task on time or if you need to change your schedule. way before you run into trouble.
All the time in Real-Time!
The Cushion Calculation
The Cushion is the difference between your available study time (between the task’s start date and the deadline) and the time you need to finish each task (task estimate). The algorithm takes all tasks into consideration
The Cushion Graph
To see the Cushion graph, go to charts (icon in the left sidebar) > Cushion
Your tasks will be laid out on a graph. Each dot on the graph is a task and it will be either above or below the zero line.
- If it is above the zero line, the Cushion graph is showing you how much study time you can waste between the tasks’s start date and the deadline and still get the task done.
- If the task is below the zero line, the Cushion graph is showing you how much study you are missing between the tasks’s start date and the deadline.
Turn Your Cushion Positive
If you Cushion is negative on some tasks, there are two ways to create extra study time.
1. Set an earlier start date
By setting an earlier start date on a task, Shovel will scan the additional days to see if you picked up some additional study time you can dedicate to the task. Now just check the graph if it was enough.
2. Delete something from your schedule
If you delete something from your calendar, like “Me Time” on Thursday night, you create extra study time you can dedicate to getting your task done.
The best way to learn about the Cushion is to watch this video: