Philippe, Sounds like you know yourself well. Yes, it's much better to be in a position where we can either proact or 'respond.' The reactive mode is never a good place to be.
Dr. Melissa Read
Daniel, Sounds like you have been taking a great approach and I'm glad you agree with the strategy presented here. It's great to start with big priority tasks and push them out of the queue. Sometimes I like to break those tasks up into smaller bite-sized pieces to make them more manageable.
Dr. Melissa Read
John, So true. We simply can't get everything done at the same time. It's just not possible. So having criteria that we can use to assess which tasks need to be completed first can really help.
Dr. Melissa Read
I for the most part prioritize my tasks which works out fine. When I do not do this I end up in a panic - reactive mode. I will get in the habit of doing a better job at prioritizing my tasks.
Typically, I have broken up larger tasks into a series of smaller tasks. If I have a not-as-important task on my list as well, I often use this as a way to break up the monotony of a large task. For example, I may take a break from grading term papers to respond to non-urgent e-mails. I am still accomplishing tasks on my to-do-list, however, I get a break from the 'big stuff.' I feel that lesson plans and grading are two brain-power-drains. They are what requires the most mental energy for me. Therefore, I try to break up the big tasks with smaller tasks such as making copies or replying to e-mail. Since I typically plan and word ahead, this has been an effective plan for me. I still leave plenty of wiggle room to complete big tasks, but am not under so much pressure.
Practicing task prioritzation will make well defined individual & prevent us from going back & that more organized person we are.
i do a list everyday & I must to follow. Because you kepp changing your list you can not move forward the way you wanted to.
I agree 100% with the module. Accomplishing important and urgent task right away is a very good habit to have. I have been working on my "to-do" list for sometime and I do my very best to get the big task or the dated tasked completed first.
I don't like to procrastinate, but I relaize that trying to do all tasks AS SOON AS they are presented, can also be a poor way to manage time. Prioritizing based on importance,deadlines, and size of tasks all need to be considered.
Trinidad, Sounds like you are working in a highly efficient team. I like the idea of asking others for feedback and direction on which tasks are the priority. Often times, we get clarity when others weigh in. Sometimes others surprise us by letting us know that tasks they've assigned to us are not as high of a priority as we would have thought.
Dr. Melissa Read
David, Yes, when we prioritize we often feel a great sense of calm. It's wonderful to be able to know that everything will get taken care of. This feeling also often contributes to higher quality workproduct.
Dr. Melissa Read
Barbara, I'm glad you mentioned this. They can be easy to overdue. If we give every task priority status, it doesn't really get us anywhere. To make the right call, I recommend asking yourself what would happen if you did not complete each task. A lot of times, this approach gives us the clarity we need to make the right choices.
Dr. Melissa Read
I agree with this process to accomplish tasks because it produces successful results
Seriously, I usually choose to set up my plan to accomplish my tasks immediately. BUT I put them off for another time. I think I will be more able to plan more efficiently using the tools I have gained in the module. (AND actually complete important tasks on a more timely basis.)
As an instructor as at a carreer school i try to use my time wisely and assure that the tasks get done in a timely manner. I also complete task in an order of importance. By accomplishing tasks in a timely fashion and in an order of importance the task that are put on me will be completed correctly. In addition, by doing so I will not be overwhelmed with work and my customers will be satisfied.
I am a procrastinator and tend to put off the tasks I least like to do. Using a systematic approach and undertaking tasks according to their priority helpsme overcome this problem.
I complete this task right away, but not without adequate preparation. Procrastion is not something I subscribe to. There is a danger to completing tasks right away for those who may not be appreciative or expect this treatment for every minor request. It is important to set expectations with those in your environment.
Yes, I do tend to put off the ugly tasks until the final minutes. But I am learning to set priorities and work in a more-ordered manner. I am concerned that I do not over-do the priorities.
Task urgency is something I discuss with my immediate at team supervisors. The order in which I complete my tasks is typically governed by the immediate needs of my team. This does not allow for many errors in time management, and keeps our team memebers on track as a unit. My immediate managers afford me sufficient time to attend to my class' needs, so I freely participate in extra duties and tasks on demand. The ideas espoused by this training module are used to one degree or another quite frequently by my team.
William, I see your point. If you had to choose one problem, I'd go with immediacy too.
Dr. Melissa Read
