Getting sidetracked
One obstacle that I'm not certain falls under any of the categories is allowing unexpected events to wrest control of our schedules from us. I know that I frequently write out schedules and task lists, but then have difficulty in keeping the schedule. What is needed (at least by me!) is a way to factor in time for the unexpected when making a schedule.
This is one issue I have always had a problem with. Although I try and add open time for unexpected issues that arise, there always seems to another waiting to take another time slot right after that one. When does the cycle end. How many are we suppose to plan for? How are we to make a schedule when each student has different needs and life has needs of its own? All we can do is plan for the best, hope for best and expect the worse I guess. For a little as the snowball effect happens, I guess we can manage it once in awhile.
to me it is clear that there will always be the unexpected event that will take priority. good time management therefore should always include allotted time for such instances
That sounds like a great way to set your own expectations Linda. It is truly impossible to plan for the unexpected.
I personally write at the top of my schedule the word "tentative." Sometimes the best and most organized plans are interupted by life. It would be impossible for any of us plan for the "unexpected."
Hi Joseph,
This has been one of my biggest time management struggles! Very often, I have the whole day planned and then one conversation throws me off by an hour - suddenly I can't get anything done. What I have been trying is to schedule that time into my day. For example, If I know a task usually takes about a half hour, I've been blocking out an hour. So far it seems to be helping but it is still taking me a long time to get things done. I'll let you know if I come up with anything better!
Frank, I agree wholeheartedly that proper time management will reduce stress. As you mentioned, planner is a great tool to use. Before 2009 I often used a planner and it was helpful. During this past calendar year, I have begun relying on Outlook. This is great for maintaining a tight schedule but it certainly does not replace the priority lists (as I've found out on occasion). They are golden.
Thanks for sharing.
Chris
Joe, I am glad to see your post. You and I both often find ourselves with unexpected issues popping up. For me, I've begun to schedule blocks of time specifically to deal with unexpected items. While this does not help me to catch up when I am behind, it helps me from falling further behind and it gives me a sense of self-confidence (and renewed efficacy).
If there are no unexpected events, then the time can be redirected to a lower priority or even used as relaxation.
Ultimately, you probably will see that some unexpected events fall into categories. You can begin to schedule these categories into your lists. It opens the door to analyzing whether there are bigger issues that need prescriptive handling -- which can save more time down the road.
Hello All,
As an instructor, it can be difficult to maintain the responsibilities of the school and home. I have personally created a planner that has assisted me in maintaining the important expectations within my life. I have found this to be helpful to ensure that my grades are submitted on time and all of the expectations have been met. I can understand the plights of online learners as well. This is one reason why I try to provide ideas in maintaining time management wisely to not only complete responsibilities but reduce stress as well.
