Yes, sometimes doing so can make us feel like we are making process. Also, it doesn't hurt to enjoy yourself every now and then. Pleasant tasks can give you a much needed break, reducing your stress and helping you recharge for difficult tasks in the future.
Very true about easy tasks Molly. They can be great confidence builders and make you feel like you are making great progress. Completing them first can help you stay motivated.
Hello Dr. Read, and all,
I was very excited to see a training course on time management because it is a topic that I have always been a stickler about. After working through the module, I've found that I already practice "to-do list" prioritization and am very effective.
As far as completion is concerned, I find myself completing the easier tasks first because they act as motivators for me to work on the large projects (the proverbial "get the ball rolling" theory).
Molly Shields
Adjunct Faculty
Colorado Technical University
I do find that certain "disagreeable" tasks, no matter the urgency, tend to become pushed further down my to-do list until I have no choice but to tackle them.
Is there any sensibility in pursuing a few tasks that are more enjoyable or easy (but less urgent) before tackling a difficult or unpleasant to-do list item? Anyone have thoughts on this, or am I just procrastinating/fooling myself with this "theory"? :)
I TRY to do the things that are really important as soon as I can. I do try to prioritize, but sometimes I do find myself doing the "easier" thing first...because it's easier!
I vacillate between the procrasinator and the immedacy model. I have a to do list but I need to add the priority for each of the items.
I usually look at my current "personal" obligations and associate them with my professional or "work" related obligations and manage my tasks accordingly. I always begin my day with reading student e-mail. Communication is at the top of my priority list and is easy to manage once I allocate a methodology for performing related tasks.
I do try and prioritize my tasks accordingly, then adjust them as required. Life events sometimes dictate other priorities. I consider a life event to be either personal to me or personal to a student in one of my classes. Either can change task priorities that I have set and in most cases require an adjustment to my current task list or time management plan.
I think that my current "task prioritization" methods are adequate and work well for me. Again as life events come about, I will make adjustments accordingly and adapt to my environment.
Yes, and when you do reach task completion, the reinforcement you experience can be so rewarding that it can energize you to complete more tasks.
I am often a procrastinator, I know it is not productive, but it is a poor habit that I need eliminate.
I have identified the problem. I am working at it. And I do get a great reward of completion when I plow through the things that normally I would drag through.
I tend to accomplish tasks right away; I try to complete difficult or otherwise unpleasant tasks as soon as possible. I then treat the accomplishment of simpler, less work-intensive tasks as a reward.
Based on what I've learned in this module, I'd have to say that I will spend more defining priorities for the tasks I must complete and will accomplish them in a logical order.
Sounds like you have a perfect system Judy.
I usually take care of the most urgent task. It bothers me and I can't focus on the other things until the big ones are taken care of first. I also rate tasks by what needs to be taken care of immediately and what can wait.
I don't make actual to do lists on paper but I do prioritize in my head. I will try the list and see if it makes any differences
I agree that going off the top of your head is not such a good idea. Having the visible list in front of you keeps you focused on your priorities. I don’t trust my memory!
Jon
Hi all,
This topic hits home with me after 5 years of teaching online and in a traditional setting at the same time. I am excited to see that many of the same suggestions I see in this module are the same things that I have figured out along the way. Using Web Outlook to manage my schedule is a great tool and allows for me to rearrange and create new to do lists. I can also move the time slots around as new, and more important tasks appear.
I try to get things done is a reasonable amount of time. Some things, like grading, I have a scheduled day to do this. Other things, like friendly reminders, I do another day. I plan to keep my schedule the same since it works well and keeps my stress in check!
Jon
Interesting points Joseph. There are many ways of getting through tasks. To do lists are one way. But you have to find the method that works best for you.
I am hit or miss when it comes to lists and prioritization. Although I do very well when I make a list and carry out the list...I usually do not make one. I know...I must be lazy? Actually, I just get started and before I know it...It is the end of the week and my list was forgotton.
Urgent tasks are done immediately or at the first possible time. If I was in the middle of something that could wait, I reprioritize my to do list and get the urgent things done first. I always make the deadlines early if not on time.
This is an important point Benjamin. There are different styles of effective time and stress management. What works for one person may not work for another. Identifying who you are and what you need to get the job done is a great place to start.
There are a lot of people out there like you James. Work tends to get prioritized, but personal tasks are just as important. Some people include personal tasks on their to do lists so they can keep track of them and address them in the same way as work related tasks.
