Immediacy
I have a difficult time with this obstacle. I find myself wanting to do a little of everything! This course really explains the chaotic place I have found myself in on separate occaisions.
Kimberly, It sounds like you have established some great ways of managing your stress. Excellent to hear. Yes, not reacting to a situation right away can allow us the time we need to gain some perspective. That perspective can help drive us to make the right choices in how we respond.
Dr. Melissa Read
I too have a difficult time with this obstacle. I always feel as though I must complete tasks right away or take care of a particular situation right then and there.
It was recommended to me to start making a prioritized to-do list which I have implemented. It has really helped me see what needs to be done right away and what can wait more clearly.
Another thing that I have trouble with and I have really started to work on is addressing a problem or situation right away. Now I take time to breathe and to consider my responses before saying or doing something rash. I have found taking time to re-consider my initial response has been a tremendous help to me in reducing my stress levels.
The term 'immediacy' hit me squarely between the eyes. I always feel rushed and want to return calls,emails,questions immediately. The 'to-do' list provides a common sense approach to this problem. I also enjoyed the section regarding prioritizing daily tasks. Good stuff!!!
This feels like a support group, I'm glad that I'm not the only one with this problem. The to do list does help me prioritize tasks and the pictures of my kids help me walk away from tasks that can wait for another day. It's a struggle regardless but at least there are ways to make it easier.
I have struggled with this when it comes to grading tests. It is typically another instructor's responsibility but about once a week it falls on someone else and when I am the one testing the students they have come to expect that they will have their score immediately. By doing this I have caused myself more stress than if I would wait till the following day the way most instructors do
I have a daily "to do" list. I find it hard to leave the office until I finish it all which of course I can't. I start a new list before I leave the office. It reminds me that I have another day to finish it and that I don't have to complete it all today!
Shawn, That's interesting. It sounds like you could definitely use a to do list. With a list, you'd get things like this on paper and out of your mind. You might experience the challenge of immediacy less too.
Dr. Melissa Read
I also have this issue, but if I do not complete some task immediately I am afraid I will and have forgot to complete said task. So, I feel its beter to just get it out of the way and move on.
Shawn
I definitely feel the same way and I feel part of it is because I am so enthusiastic about teaching as this is my first time teaching at a college level. I just want to do everything as quick as possible (I remember complaining about professors who took forever to return exams and assignments back when I was in college, I don't want to be that teacher). Not only grading but being involved in the office and trying to make my lectures more active. I feel like at times I'm always in a rush. To-do lists are something I have implemented in my everyday life to help me keep track I think I'll have to implement it at work now as well.
Hello Kizmit,
I believe many times there is a confusion between immediacy of completing task and the importance or consequence that a given task carries when completed. Both od these considerations must be evaluated in relation to a given goal or target. That is, why does this particular task has to be completed immediately, and if not what are the consequences. Apply this concept to all tasks that are on your to-do list and assign a numeric score to designate their importance of being completed first. I would also assign another score or letter to identify the severity of the consequence a task would pose if not completed and decide based on both values which must be completed first.
What you suggested is a time-sharing approach where you allocate a portion of your time to various task. This within itself could cause more stress and possibly confusion as you progress toward completing each task.
Kizmit, Sometimes we truly have to focus on just a few select and priority tasks. This can be tough for people who like to touch little pieces of every task and keep everything moving.
Dr. Melissa Read
