Sometimes when you have many emails to review at one time it can become overwhelming.
It is important to pace yourself every day, and keep a good calendar to write in along with your "To do list" next to you at all times.
Dr. Read,
When I have a task that must be performed immediately I will get it done to avoid it being late. I would rather have some time to think about important and urgent task and how best to handle them. After completing this module I see the importance of the TO DO list. I have used them in the past and when I did they were very helpful. In fact I have a TO DO list for Christmas shopping to ensure I get what I want early (90% complete). I do make an informal to do list and try to stick with it. The module talked about prioritizing, for the rest of the term I am going to try creating the TO DO list, then using the example in the module try and prioritize the list. I will be interesting to see how this will help me, especially through the busy holiday season.
Thanks,
Le Roy
I usually try to check emails in the morning or evening. At least once a day is important. Like you, I would rather answer a few emails at a time.
Hi Everyone
I make sure to check emails a couple of times each day (a.m./middle and night)
I don't like getting over 100 emails to reply at once
Thanks
Alana
You have a good point. You probably learned early about the importance of prioritizing. When you are familiar with something every day of your life, it is just second nature to know what to do.
Task Prioritization is important to help you to pace yourself. You can go from one project to another without feeling overwhelmed. Writing it down and having it in front of you helps to see how much you have accomplished after you have checked the task off your list.
Another way to prioritize is to make certain you are always make a "To Do List". When you stop doing this, I am sure it will make you wonder why you feel a little disorganized.
I like to use the electronic calendar as long as I am on the computer every day. I really like to use a large month at a glance calendar where you can write in the meetings and other items needed to be done. It is easy for me to see it when it is close at hand.
I can also put my weekly "To Do List" on the side.
I use one too and I love the same thing about it. I have so many meetings that I would surely forget to attend them if I didn't have the reminder system in place.
I am pretty proficient at prioritizing. I have been practicing most of the habits discussed in this module for the last 22 years in my military carreer and my teaching career. I don't see anything that would make me change my current habbits.
It is important to break down the large tasks into smaller ones. By taking a piece of one large task and dealing with it a couple of hours at a time, it is less overwhelming.
When I prioritize my tasks, I will assure that I put the most important ones on the top of the list, and then add those that are least important to the bottom of the list.
I use an electronic calendar and it is a great tool to have. I like how things just pop up on it.
Excellent! Yes, the urgent items really pop out when you add notation to your list. This makes them easy to identify and attack right away.
Yes, breaking down large tasks into smaller tasks can be really motivating and make those tasks far less daunting. This can keep you moving forward.
You are correct. It is important to schedule down time also. This is something I am planning to place on my calendar. I am planning to schedule times for a one day at the spa for a massage and pedicure. Also, I notice you like to play with your kitties. That is something that is good for us too.
Hi Kathleen, I am an immediacy person like you. I had no idea there was a term for our kind. To be honest, I am proud of it...Nick ;)
It's a nice feeling when good scheduling techniques and the right technology produce more free time and a better experience.
I think changing the order in which I do my tasks do need to be changed. Often times grading does become a less priority because of family situations. I think that staying on top of tasks is important also.
The tasks that require my urgent attention, I try to complete right away. I think I tend to lean towards the obstacle of immediacy, which can be overwhelming at times. I do use a To Do list, but I think I will try breaking down the larger tasks into smaller parts to help me feel a greater sense of accomplishment.
