Task Prioritization
I think I do a pretty ood job of task prioritization. Each day, I write down my to-do goals for the day in order, according to urgency. As my day progresses, I draw a line through the tasks that I have completed, which gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Any leftover tasks are automatically moved to the next day's to-do list, so that nothing falls in the cracks. I love the lesson's suggestion of finding a balance betweeen immediacy and procrastination. There was a time in my professional life when I experienced anxiety if I received an email or voice message that I could not immediately respond to. Since becoming more balanced in this area, my head is clearer, I feel less overwhelmed and I am much more productive!
I would agree. Being a visual learner, I retain more if it's visually in front of me. Is there a phone app that can be utilized to accomplish this?
I absolutely agree but I find this to be an ongoing challenge. After having taken time management classes in previous management courses, and suffered from recurring time crunches I felt this course was a good investment. I think that those of us that are "serial procrastinators" need reminders. One of the tasks on my "to do" lists is to consolidate old "to do" lists, and hope that all the important tasks were done or are OBE.
My list is done at the end of the week while it's fresh in my mind, I review it on Monday to see if it needs changing. It is keeped on the table behind my desk and checked or checked off often.
I have noticed that my iPhone/laptop calendar offers great help to me. It help because no matter where I am at I am able to check my list and see what I need to get done that day. It helps me with any anxiety I may get.
I have also misplaced my list, resulting in moderate "Freaking Out", which was controlled through deep breathing and retracing
There is tremendous relief when i know Ive prepared for the week in the proper order of what is most critical to me first, it is easier to manage the rest of the week.
Susan, Nice! It sounds like you are good at anticipating the things you'll forget. You might also have recurring things that you need to remember. If this is the case, electronic planners can be great. I know some instructors who program their planners to remind them of specific tasks each week or month so they never forget, and only have to program once.
Dr. Melissa Read
Good ideas. I also like to put tasks on my planner, such as "take inventory" or "place order for lab" so that I don't worry about losing my list, which I am almost famous for!
I think there is a visual connection for the brain to see the deadlines in front of you. There is also great satisfaction or relief once one is crossed off. One less item to have to deal with.
I know there are articles that I have read that talk about multi-tasking. The message was that multi-tasking is not a good thing in some situations. To be able to switch between unfinished tasks is not the same as doing more than one thing at the same time. Activities involving patients should have complete focus.
