Dawn, It sounds like you are doing great with time management and task prioritization. I don't think you need to be perfect. Everyone procrastinates a little.
Dr. Melissa Read
I am usually good about making lists of things to do, and I usually number them in the order I plan to do them, after considering how important each item is. I am not a procrastinator normally, but there are a few things I do put off. I will probably be more mindful of it now that I have taken this course.
I also have a to do list done daily but I have not prioritize with the module that I have learned, but I see now that it would help me organize my tasks more streamline.
I have to be honest and say that I tend to subscribe to the "imediacy" way. I want everything to get done asap. I will work on that now that I have takend this module.
I am a procrastinator and need to be very aware of this tendency. I have learned in this course to make task lists to help me to complete tasks in a timely manner. I find as I get older I function much better with lists so I am not always worrying about something I may have forgotten and then hurrying to gather my supplies for class.
I put important and urgent tasks on the top of my list now.I find it very helpful.
I have a daily list of items to complete. I try to spread out the items to complete so I dont overwhelm myself.
Years ago I took Steven Covey's course called "First Things First." This helped me to get into the habit of placing the urgent and important items at the top of my "to do" list. This worked well for me when I managed a rehab department. I still make these lists, but now that I am teaching physical therapy, I find myself sometimes allowing the students to take up more of my time teaching and tutoring after class time, because if they want to learn more, I want to help them. I need to make sure I am taking care of myself as well!
I usually choose to accomplish these tasks right away. However, sometimes I engage in "creative avoidance" and attend to other things that I would rather do because they are more interesting to me or easier. Either way, I have to get to the more important tasks.
I am a very detailed-oriented person so having a To-do List is essential in my life.
Melissa, thank you for your feedback.
Karina, It sounds like you already have some healthy coping mechanisms in place and that you have a great approach for refinement of these. Yes, immediacy can be a challenge for people who like to keep on top of things. It may not be possible to eliminate but you can try to reduce its frequency.
Dr. Melissa Read
I usually choose to accomplish all tasks right away that later causes stress and exhaustion. I did not realize that "immediacy" could actually delay productivity and be counter-productive.
I practice yoga regularly and after this course I now know that yoga has been my healthy coping mechanism as it incorporates almost all of the things discussed in the course.
I will pay closer attention to my work habits after completing this course and will try to eliminate "immediacy" as my way of everyday work habit.
Hello All,
I complete tasks immediately. I teach several classes and I have learned that completing tasks immediately is the easiest way to reduce stress. I have a well laid out schedule that I adhere to weekly. Per this class, I will change how I identify tasks on my "to do" list.
Susanne Marshall
Dr Read and Fellow Faculty Members,
I do not put off tasks. It is essential to complete tasks in a timely manner because I teach several classes. I do not have the luxury in getting behind in my daily "to do" list.
I do like identifying the tasks in different formats. I will strive to do that.
Susanne Marshall
Shelley, I am glad some of the course content will be helpful to you. Note that if to do lists stress you out, they may not be the best tool for you. They don't necessarily work for everyone. It's important to know yourself.
Dr. Melissa Read
Kathryn, It sounds like you have evolved your approach over time to meet needs as they emerge. I like this approach. It's ok to change your approach as your tasks and stress evolve. There is always room for optimization too.
Dr. Melissa Read
Jean, Sounds like the right approach for you. When you can reduce the amount of follow ups, you have less touchpoints and interactions to manage, streamlining your overall efficiency.
Dr. Melissa Read
Ruth, Interesting, thanks for sharing. Many of my students take different approaches to managing work and life tasks. People often apply a more organized approach to work life, though home life often needs that same focused approach to keep up with things.
Dr. Melissa Read
No, I think I am pretty good at prioritizing my tasks. I have found it helpful to use the sticky notes on my computer to remind myself of the tasks and priorities that need to be done. This kind of list gives me an overview of everything that needs to be done and I can easily move the tasks around my list. It seems to work well for me.
At one point in my life I didn't worry about prioritization, I knew that I would and could get everything done by the time I needed it to be completed. However as I grew wiser I learned that I could accomplish more and by seeing which task was the most important and then counting down to the lesser task and I also had more time in the end.
