I pretty obsessively pursue urgent tasks - and after completing the module I've realized probably too urgently. I can't deal with ticking time bombs and tend to aggressively pursue urgent tasks until they are completed.
I tend to put many tasks off until the last minute.
I will now try to put the most important tasks first on a list to complete.
I often put tasks off for aother day.....They tend to build up for me, and I wind up having to do several at the same time!
I know what you mean. Also, it can feel rewarding to just know that the undesirable task is off the table.
Like many others, I tend to put off tasks that I dislike doing. I find it helps to put them as first on my to-do list, right after any urgent item. This way, when I complete it, I feel like the next task is a reward.
The highlighter method does work great Kevin. Color can capture your attention and help you focus on what's important.
I usually try to finish a task within a certain amount of time;however I will use the highlighter method to better prioritize.
I do okay with tasks that are most important and urgent to complete. I might not finish them right away but I also do not tend to put them off until the very last minute. For, example, if I'm giving an exam on Tuesday, I will make copies no later than Monday. I don't like the idea of going to sleep and hoping that the copy machine will be working fine the next day!
In this module I have learned that I should be rewriting and reprioritizing task lists on a regular basis. So if I develop that as a good habit, I will surely experience changes in the order that I accomplish important and urgent tasks in the future.
You are quite welcome Andrea! I hope some of these suggestions work for you!
Hello Dr.,
Thankyou for some great suggestions, I will try and work them into my personal situation!
Andrea Schrenk
Sounds like you are formulating a plan!Good Luck!
Mark, I imagine you learned quite a bit about organizational skills in the army! But you are right, some learnings may translate and others may not. It's ok to take a little extra time now that you are in education.
I've been pretty good at task prioritization I would think. I had spent 8 years in the U.S. Army and learned alot on how to organize, list and prioritize my tasks. Things are differant in the education world of course, and I have found myself trying to accomplish too much too fast at times. I have learned that in taking my time I don't have so feel bad, and in breaking down the list into small groupings that this too will help in easing up the load, giving me some down time to enjoy the accomplishments and goals that I have reached.
Dr. Read,
Thank you for the holistic approach idea. I always put work ahead of personal tasks. This causes me the problems at home. I haven't gotten my income tax return filed yet, I am a PROCRASTINATOR. I am promising myself that today when I get home that TAXES are number ONE on my list; in fact the only thing on my list!
Work related tasks often end up getting prioritized before personal tasks and this can present problems. I recommend listing both work and personal tasks on the same list. This gives us a holistic view of everything we have to accomplish.
This is such a difficult challenge Andrea. I have watched fellow faculty members deal with the open door policy in a number of ways. Some come in a little later and leave a little earlier to get priority work done at home. Others reserve conference room space when they want quiet time because they can close those doors. Still others crack their doors so that they are open but so they send the signal that they are busy.
Adam,
Well said! I certainly agree and also feel that it can become an endless cycle. With our "open faculty office" policy we are often approached by students needing immediate assistance while trying to complete priority tasks. This is tricky as we all want to be available to our students but also have deadlines!What are your thoughts on this? Thanks.
Andrea
Hi Maureen,
I have had a lot of success with the lists and would be available to help you, if you would like. It helps to take off un-necessary pressuer! Let me know
Unfortunately, I tend to put off most important tasks until a later time.; moreso in my personal rather than work life. I think that I should begin prioritizing tasks, period! Urgency and important-- thanks, I think I've got the idea! I am not in the habit of listing, only when I'm going on vacation. I think this will help me greatly; especially on a personal level.
I feel that I am doing a rather good job in this department. I am a "list person" and always take care of the most immediate tasks first. Basically I work on a first and second tier system...it seems to work well for me, although I do feel at times that the list is never ending!
