Indeed, prioritization is powerful and key in time and stress management. Making a list is really just the first step. When you prioritize, you really start to control and own your situation.
I sometimes have a tendency to oput off the most urgent tasks and do smaller tasks as a distraction. I will try and change the order in which I accomplish tasks doing the most important and urgent tasks first.
After a list is generated of what needs to be compelted prioritization is the next step in the process. Prioritizing alows one to put things in logical order of importance and not procrastinate.
Indeed. Sometimes you have to take one step back to move a few steps forward.
We indeed mush strike a good balance Michael. Sometimes the pendulum swings too far in one direction. When that is the case, we must self correct.
I have gotten away from doing To-do lists lately because sometimes taking the time to write out the list is a task that takes time away from other tasks (can get something else done the seems "more important"). This module has reminded me that the To-do list will actually save me time :) Putting a little time in upfront to get organized and figure out prioritys helps with my time management and makes everything less stressful.
After reviewing this module about task prioritization I will put more thought into how urgent a task is and complete more difficult projects first so I can move on to other areas of my life and work.
Melissa,
In the past I would prioritize tasks in my mind, not taking the time to write them done. I usually accomplish the tasks right away. However, I do miss some becuase of the urgency to complete the most important tasks. Now I do see the value of taking the time to write them down.
Prioritizing important items has been something i have been naturally able to do. the problem lies in over-prioritizing things to the point where less important tasks sometimes get forgotten in my rush to take care of the improtant things.
Many instructors feel the same way Deborah. The key is to understand what works with you and go with that.
I have the same issue about over estimating how much I can accomplish in the time I allot to tasks.
To-do lists with frequent updates are helpful. However, I have found I do better when I write out my lists instead of putting them online. Must be my learning style ;)
Wendy, I can relate to the "urgent" task taking front stage. The problem is that there are sometimes too many "urgent" task.
Le Roy
I agree with you there... without the internet you cannot grade, facilitate, answer e-mails and so fourth.
So, making sure that the internet connection is up and stable should be the first thing you do, even if you are up against deadlines.
I think you've got a good attitude about it. It's sort of a trial and error process when you are starting something new.
I've learned so much in the few weeks that I've been teaching my new course. It takes me much less time to create power points for lectures than I had anticipated and much more time to grade and give students good feedback. So, now I have a better way to approach things because I've got a better understanding of what needs to get done first.
I am actually very good at making "To Do" lists when I feel overwhelmed. I tend to forget things if I do not write down a list. So, in actually making the list, my performance improves tenfold.
I've learned that putting things in order can be a helpful way to prioritize things, but I don't necessarily do things in order when I am making my lists.
I do find that I tend to do the easier list items first and I have learned that I should do the items on my task list in order of importance!
I tend to accomplish the tasks immediately especially the ones that are the most important or urgent. I do not like to put any tasks off to do later. However, some of the ideas presented such as the “to do” list and prioritizing the most urgent or important will truly help me assess which tasks need to be done immediately and help me accomplish all the tasks in a timely manner.
Deborah,
It is easy to put off something because we know it will take time and maybe some additional work.
I always find I feel relieved and have a sense of accomplishment when I tackle the hardest task.
We are close to the new year, and it seems like we just had New Years Eve.
Excellent Le Roy. Sounds like a plan.
Deborah,
There is usually certain things that you can put off until later, just not too much later.
Le Roy
