Making priority lists
Just wondering what method others use for the actual priority lists. I like to use post-its of differing sizes. These are normally located beside my computer.the only draw back to this is it can seem cluttered at times! let me know your methods...thanks
Those giant desk calendars are great. I've seen some people combine them with post it notes that they stick to them. The post it notes are handy because they can easily be moved around, unlike writing that has to be erased if you want to move a task.
I usually purchase one of those giant desk calenders each year. I write my to do list on the calender and it is then organized by date and day of the week. When i sit down at my desk in the am i can review the tasks i want to accomplish that day. I can also check items off or even just erase if in pencil!
You already have some good habits Jeffery. If I could add only one thing, it would be to break complex tasks down into sub tasks, and list them as such. This way, you can chip away slowly at complex tasks with the feeling of crossing things off every day.
I have made priority lists for several years now. I make lists for home as well as work. I use paper that has printing on one side only and "re-use" the other side, this is my part in recycling. Anyway, back to the priority lists, I too, list the important things first and then break them down into more managable tasks. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment when I can cross several off in a day. I suggest giving yourself some "simple" tasks that you can turn to and cross off the list, again, giving you the sense of accomplishing something in your hectic day. I also give a timeframe in which it should be done. When I give myself an hour to accomplish the task I move to another task after the hour and it keeps me refreshed, even if I need to go back a little later and finish up. Anyone have any other suggestions that I might incorporate into my list making?
Everyday I normally just take out a sheet of paper and write my list and as I complete it I mark through it. However there are those days where I just can't get everything done, so I will highlight those items to make sure I complete that first the next day if possible.
I keep several legal pads lying around my house and apt; whenever a new task comes up, I jot it down and then transfer it to my master list at the end of the day. Sometimes, top priority tasks warrant a note on the palm :)
Indeed. And it's relieving to have items on your list out of your mind and on paper.
Just marking items off a list give you a feeling of accomplishment. And keeps you motivated.
Wow, this sounds like a very organized system Pamela!
How true.
I also set my cell phone to remind me of meetings, etc.
I use a printed out work roster that starts on Monday.
This roster ensures that I get all of the required tasks completed every day.
Thanks for sharing Laurie. There are many methods for effective time management. If this is the one that you've grown used to, and if this is working for you, then no need to change it.
Hello,
I use an "old fashioned" method of having a lined tablet next to my calendar and computer. I use the calendar to identify the "timed" activities/appointments that need to be completed each day. Then I use the tablet to identify what I will be doing on each day of the week for those "other" activities that support the "timed" activities. I also use the tablet to identify students who have late assignments to grade and/or students who are having issues with the class, etc.
I have gotten to the point that if I don't look at my calendar and tablet each day, I am lost and forget to do what I need!
Laurie Leet
Making use of spread sheets sometimes helps when gears are constantly shifting back and forth. This allows an easy update if you have consistent access to Excel and can be carried on a flash drive or printed if you prefer to physically check off your list.
I seem to lose post-its myself..I use a little notebook (one in which the pages can't come out) to record things I need to do - I just love the little Moleskine notebooks that they have at Borders Books. - If I don't want to take notebook with me - I will use an index card and then transfer to the notebook when I get home.
Love the concept of a master wishlist Jesse. What a great idea. Often times, we don't write down our most important life-goals. We should.
I usually carry a pocket note-pad. Also once a week or so I'll write a list of objectives on a legal pad. I have different notebooks and legal pads for different things.
One for day 2 day organization and others which are project based.
I also have a master "wishlist", containing life-goals and the steps needed 2 achieve them. I cross out goals on my lists when they are completed. I have saved these notebooks for many years and every once in a while I open them up and realize that nearly every goal has been scratched off....This can be very fulfilling.
That's a great idea Robert. In addition to helping you stay organized, dating your to do lists can help you feel like you are making progress as you look back on them.
This may be an example of mental instability or being a control freak, but I tend to date my to-do lists and hang on to them for a while. On occasion I find myself looking back over them to get a since of when, or if I'm really being thick-headed, IF I did something. Makes for a nice, if informal, paper-trail. For that reason I tend to use a legal pad to keep them in order.
