Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Perry, Sounds like a nice approach. I like the way you categorize the staples and the extras. It's important to be able to see the differences between each kind of list item and plan accordingly. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Steve, I'm glad to hear that you have a healthy respect for the list-updating process. In a perfect world, we'd check off all our tasks and no more would come in. But lists are dynamic, living breathing things. They change daily and we need to respond accordingly. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Darlisa, Indeed true. Procrastination can be the cause. Note another cause can be simply that you've got too much on your plate. When this is the case, a little task delegation and expectation setting can help too! Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Streamlining the Grading Process

Steven, Yes, this is a great method for pre-set exams. Just goes to show you that you can still make things more efficient in a structured environment. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Frank, Sounds like you have a great system in place. Prioritizing important tasks will get you far. Note that some tasks will pop into the queue without warning. Be prepared by building in a little bit of a buffer. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Task Prioritization

Glad to hear it Robert! Prioritization works well for many instructors. Keep it up! Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Craig, I like the idea of staggering your commute so that you are not driving with the masses. You are right, it speeds your way to work significantly and can help you avoid accidents too. Exercising before going to work can give you a nice start to the day. Some instructors are tempted to get to work right away, but a delay for exercise can make us more productive when we arrive. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

David, Sounds like you have a wonderful living environment. Living amongst animals and being able to take long walks outside can be such a great outlet. I can easily see how this helps with productivity. When we are balanced and rested, our performance greatly increases. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Coping with Stress

Melissa, Yes, sometimes catching your stress early can save you a lot of heartache in the end. We've got to learn how to detect the early warning signs and find coping techniques that work well in times of crisis. Breathing exercises are a great example of something we can do anywhere. Dr. Melissa Read

Dr. Melissa Read

Discussion Comment

Causes of Stress

Timothy, Sounds like finding a new job was one of the best changes you could have made. Congrats on your new role and new life. This is a perfect example of how eliminating stress - where possible - can yield huge benefits. Dr. Melissa Read