Yes, finding a routine is a great strategy Dawn. Each semester as classes change, we have to adapt what we do. But it doesn't take too long before we have things down.
Yes, it is sometimes hard to distinguish between tasks that are highest priority and those that have to be processed the most quickly. Practice with prioritization helps tremendously.
Hello,
I was reading your post and their are times I do not get to review my to do list. I think if you look at the tasks that you need more knowledge with and start your research for answers at the time you are looking at those tasks this will help. Set goals and reward yourself for accomplishments. I hope this helps.
I have no problems making to do list, as a matter of a fact; I am pretty good at that task. My problem comes when I have to complete the task on the list. It never fails; something else always comes up or takes the place of something on the list. I guess the goal is discipline, making the list and completing the items on it. I guess that flows into setting priorities; another thing to deal with.
This is a great question and I think it depends on the project. I do agree the outcome of a task will be more positive if you put more time into what is important. Have you had a situation where you have had more than two priority tasks due?
Kimberly Smith
Important and urgent tasks I complete right away. Now, during the completeion of this or these task, here comes another with the same priority or immediacy. It is sometimes difficult to distinquish between them. Knowing that administrators come before students, helps lighten the burden. This module shedded some light at the end of the long dark tunnel. There will be some changes in my game plan.
I always try to complete tasks of the highest priority first. I will however rearrange my schedule. If I know I do not have enough time to complete a hard task before my next class, but can knockout a couple smaller, less important tasks, I will complete the lower priority tasks first, and save the higher, usually more difficult, priority tasks for when I can devote the time to complete them fully.
I am really bad about permitting others to dictate my time. I always want to please everyone and find that when someone wants to speak with me I stop what I am doing to make time for them. By the end of the day I still have a pile of paperwork on my desk and feel stressed that I still have so much work to do.
From now on I will have a sign up sheet for staff and students to make an appointment to speak with me.
Sounds good. Thanks, Trevor.
Shelia
I do the same thing that you do. Glad to hear that you actually get to the difficult tasks, because I find that sometimes I just don't!
I have read that there is a difference between urgency and importance when it comes to prioritizing your to-do list. While it is our natural tendency to focus on what is more urgent, I have read that it is better for us to actually put more time into what is more important instead. What do you think?
Maria
I can make to-do lists and prioritize them according to urgency and importance, but, often, I find that I do not follow it out of lack of knowledge or insecurity. As a result, I do not always make to-do lists. What do you suggest that I do?
Mr. Rasmusson,
That is an interesting perspective. I think that this is a great way to organize tasks. I have never tried it that way. I had always listed everything as a "have to do." Then I try to do the most complicated things first. I like your idea and will give it a try.
James
I find that I tend to separate tasks into two main categories. Things I WANT to do and things I DONâ€T WANT to do. This is my biggest issue with prioritizing. Often things on my DON’T list DO get completed, but usually after a few things on my WANT list are completed first.
I feel that I am pretty well practiced in creating to-do lists for myself. They are one of my favorite tools to help me organize my thoughts. I tend to get a real sense of completion from crossing out tasks and carving away at my list. By the end of the day I can look at all of my crossed-out items and really feel like I have accomplished something.
I do quite well with to-do lists and prioritizing the tasks. My recent frustration has been that I list my personal and professional tasks but forget that I have to factor in the homework and study time for the four classes I am taking outside of working full time. I just need to find a routine...and soon!
I actually have the problem of completing my less complicated tasks before I complete my more challenging tasks.
After reading this module I will definitely work on completing the more complicated and more urgent tasks first.
I have learned from my mistakes and I have came to the conclusion that this does work better. I just need to be consistent and practice this at all times.
Organization and task management are both very important. I tend to keep a list of all of the items that I need complete for each class, projects for clients and personal issues. I put check boxes next to each item, so that I can have a sense of accomplishment when I check off the task. As for prioritizing, I teach my students to learn to ascertain the difference between urgent and important tasks. I give them the example of the power going out in your residence and all of your food spoiling. Getting the power returned is urgent and replacing the food is important, since with out power the food replacement is nullified/useless. I try to follow that precept as well.
James
Yes, I will. I make "To Do" lists, but often to not really prioritize each item. Usually, priorty is defined only by, "when have I got to have this done?". Looking at my list only in that way makes each item look "important" and "urgent".
Thanks!
Shelia
My method of prioritization is to complete the most important tasks first and I try to have a list of what tasks need to be accomplished immediately. I look at each project that needs to be completed and analyze all consequences of being late. The one change I need to make after reviewing the modules is to review that list weekly for reorganization instead of doing this monthly. I also read some of the other posts and I replied to one of them. Thanks
Hi Eva,
I agree with you; doing this module I found out something about myself. I pride myself on being very organized however I also overly optimistic/ambitious about the things I want to accomplish each day. I will go the extra step and start prioritizing and setting realistic limits.
