That sounds like a great strategy James. Doing tasks well in advance of when they are due can be very helpful when surprise obstacles pop up and stand in the way.
In my position I have to accomplish my task right away. Yes, I would try to accomplish the important task in a more timely manner.
I have always printed out my lab packets at the last minute and always rush doing them.Stressed out, and pressed for time I would press on.More then half the time the copier would break down, leaving me to run to another copier at the other side of the building.I will do my lab packets a week before they have to be handed out. no stress,and plenty of time for broken copiers.
Procrastination is an ongoing challenge for me, since childhood, really. What surprised me about this module was that most instructors choose to take on the least important tasks first. I thought it was just me. I am considering making more concrete to-do lists to stay better on track.
I am good at prioritization, but there is always room for improvement.
That's great Khalid! Many instructors have a problem with doing the easy tasks first. Sounds like this isn't so much of an issue with you.
Usually the urgent task have the top priority followed by the important issues and then to less important one, this is how i deal with anything that faces me whether in teaching or the day by day living issues.
I am glad you have learned so much from this module Marva! I also really like the way you plan to make changes. Let us know how they go!
I think it doesn't take a lot of time. And believe, with practice you will do it easy and fast.
Normally, I am not a procrastinator. With that being said, sometimes, I have more to do than time to do it.
Based on what I have learned from this module about task prioritization, yes, I will change the order in which I accomplish important and urgent tasks.
My teaching career as well as my personal life are both very important to me. This module has challenged me to think about how to reduce or even eliminate stress, and how to use effective coping mechanisms to deal with urgent and important tasks.
I will add that I chose this module simply because in the last few weeks, there have been some major stressors that I have attempted to work through. Fortunately, I have close family/friends that I could talk to as well as to seek spiritual help which were both effective coping mechanisms.
It's nice to be able to lean on coworkers for support and acceptance during stressful times Susan. In that they are going through the same things as you, they really can approach you from a place of understanding.
I understand completely what you are referring to. It is difficult to complete your own tasks when you are being pulled to "put out fires". It can be frustrating; I have learned that some days are just going to be like that. Fortunately, my co-workers go through the exact same thing and so they understand if I need to put off something until the next day.
Wow, that is great that you tackle the unpleasant first. I tend to put the difficult off until last. I think after this module I am going to start working on that.
Judy,
I too fail at using the tools that could easily organize my day. I'm thinking about trying this tool that you mentioned; starting this week.
Susan
I have to admit that I am a list maker! I feel at ease when I have several tasks to complete and I can organize them on paper. Depending on the amount of tasks and the difficulty of each task determines if I have a since of urgency (immediacy) or procrastination to complete the list. One of my biggest downfalls is letting others control my time. After this module I have a different perspective of who controls my time. Sometimes I say yes to others too much. I feel overwhelmed when I think about what I need to get accomplished myself along with what other people want me to do. I believe if I would learn to help others on my time line I would relieve some of the stress I feel at work.
I try my best to prioritize my tasks & give a deadline to each. I also try to anticipate interruptions & get as much done knowing such. The course gave me good ideas about how to use lists to prioritize tasks & eliminate/reduce stressors.
planning a to do list is not hard for me. My problem is all the "Fires" that need putting out during the day, Thus keeping me from completing my list till the next day
I think I have to do that, I mean changing the way I handled my projects.
It was always in my brain only but know I think I should have in a written way as the to do list so I can prioritize it and check it out when I am done with the task.
As the course stated I have always been stressed about things not getting done. I hope I will get out of that type of stress
.
Sounds like you have a great system John! Keep it up.
To do lists are not really my forte, Now I do write my lesson plan the night before after my classes end so it is fresh in my mind what needs to be accomplished. I did this in the kitchen with my prep list and helps with mental mise en place. I do use my outlook to manage Large items or items in the future to keep track really.
