I try to get them right away so they don't weigh on me
I tend to write down my to-do list the day prior for an immediate start the next day. I prioritize my tasks but do sometimes get side tracked. I am getting better and concentrating on it by updating my list when needed. It helps see only the remaining tasks rather than be overwhelmed by the entire list altogether.
I do use a to-do list both for my professional and personal life. I have a must do section, a need to do section, and a nice to do section. I use my to do list technique at the end of classes and at the end of meetings--I restrict it to only a few items though. It is a good way to wrap up and send everyone out the door with the same idea of what needs to be done. The nice to do's eventually move up to a higher priority, but they may be important tasks that need to be thought about and worked over a long period of time.
Rob
Douglas, Awareness of our shortcomings can give us great power. I'm glad you know your strengths and limitations well.
Dr. Melissa Read
Cathy, It is great to start each day reviewing your to do list. This helps orient you toward highest priority tasks if nothing more.
Dr. Melissa Read
Christopher, It sounds like you have a great plan in place! Wonderful to hear. I should note that this plan requires many changes. You might start small, focusing on just one change at a time, and working your way up.
Dr. Melissa Read
I am a habitual procrastinator but my knowledge of this helps me to accomplish what is really important. I am aware of my shortcomings and try to use lists and other tools to help me. I also like to chip away at larger, more daunting tasks.
THE TO DO LIST AT THE START OF THE DAY IS THE BEST METHOD IN CROSSING OUT THE TASK TO FINISH COMPLETING
I place tasks according to priority, secondly i review deadline dates and times . I also will change my morning start time to accommodate projects and deadlines.
Kristen, Excellent to hear! The problem of immediacy often makes us appear productive. We often get reinforced for it. The challenge is that we aren't often happy, and it's not often sustainable.
Dr. Melissa Read
I am VERY guilty of doing things immediately. I need to learn to pace myself. This course was extremely beneficial to me. =)
When I make my list I always try to prioritize and "eat the frog first". Doing the most unpleasant thing first helps with procrastination.
Tanya, Live and learn! It's good to know you are evolving and discovering the best approaches now that you are into your career. My best advice would be for you to teach others what you have learned.
Dr. Melissa Read
Frederick, You are not alone. Many instructors feel better about taking care of simple tasks first. They are great confidence builders.
Dr. Melissa Read
Pamela, At a guess, you may struggle a bit with immediacy. On the flip side, I'm glad to hear you are so on top of things! Writing things down is great, even if it's in a calendar view.
Dr. Melissa Read
Josue, This sounds like a great practice for you. I'm curious to hear if your activity log is digital or on paper. Digital could make the updating process easier, but sometimes it feels good to have items to cross off on paper.
Dr. Melissa Read
Katina, Yes, it seems that lists help us the most when we have too many tasks to manage. When our workload is lighter, they are not needed quite as much. It's good to have them to rely on when activity picks up.
Dr. Melissa Read
I like how this module emphasizes prepping right(very thorough) the first time then when you go to teach it again it's just review and you prep time continues to take less and less. I wish I would have been given this advice when I first started teaching. It then felt like everything is urgent and was very hard to prioritize. Time management is a key component then as well.
I didn't realize the importance of making a list. Usually if I write something down I forget the task, but as my schedule become more hectic if realize lists may be a benefit to me. I just need to rewire my brain to remember that I made one.
I use an Daily Activity Log myself. I prioritize my tasks and mark when they are completed. This helps my day run smoother.
