I use to have an issue with procrastination; this has been replaced with immediacy. I tend to get things off my plate ASAP; in fact, my deadline for myself is usually ASAP. I find that this works for me (my fear is that I will forget about it). I was surprised when I read that this can be an obstacle since it has worked well for me. I like the concept of to-do lists and I want to use it but I tend to start them and then forget about them. I really like the concept of choosing one day each week to revisit the list and rewrite it. I will endeavor to use the to-do list since I do not want to forget some tasks.
I am usually very good about prioritizing my tasks and accomplishing them in the order of importance. I often use lists to help stay organized and manage my time effectively. Using list help prevent forgetting items or working on a task that is not a priority.
I will definitely have to make some changes. Sometimes I will make it a priority to immediately answer any correspondance from another individual, simply because I want to make their job easier. Although I feel it is important to stay on top of correspondance, it is probably a 50/50 shot wheather I should place it at the top of my priority list.
From what I have learned, I seem to be a little on the "get it done now" side on some tasks and put other tasks off, depending on what I feel is needed. But what I have found what I think and what the perspective of others is two different things. So what I have learned and what I am going to do is prioritize by both need of the task and needs of those envolved with the task.
Yes, you really should write everything down on your list Christina. It can help you see how you're making progress, especially when you see list items crossed off.
I tend to gravitate toward my most interesting and creative tasks first, such as preparing for class by researching a topic, and put off grading until I end up having to do it on the weekend sometimes. If I have both of these items written down on a to-do list, perhaps it will help me to be motivated to "cross off" the less desirable tasks and have the more creative ones left.
It's true Abundio, we really have to balance both urgency and task importance when making decisions about task completion.
I learn to determining both the urgency and importance of a task can help instructors decide on how soon a task should be completed. Urgent and important tasks should be prioritized over those that are non-urgent or less important for effective time management.
I just have to follow up and balance the weight of urgency and importance of each task.
Sounds excellent Dana! It's great to create rules or guiding principles for ourselves and how we manage our time. We can't always follow them, but it's nice to have that kind of structure.
These are all great points David. Yes, we need to approach priority tasks with a sense of urgency and timing.
Generally, I am an organized person and can get things done in a timely manner. I think since I have been working for the career school for five years now, I tend to let things go a little longer than they should or wait till the last minute. I did tell myself before then new quarter began that I would do everything in a timely manner and not put any task off until later. So far, three weeks into the quarter, I am following my own rule. I prioritize each morning and get the important things done. This leaves me time to work on extra things like adding new technology to my classes or searching for articles to share with students. Based on what I have learned through this module, I am going to place more emphasis on prioritizing my list of tasks and concentrating on the important things first. I am also going to use this technique at home.
Task prioritization is nothing without a sence of urgency and timing. Having everything written on a list does not make it more easy to complete. Orgnainizing your tasks but then re organizing them in an order that has everything completed in a timely manner along with moving at a pace that will finish the task is key to completing your duties.
This is true Doreen. What-if scenarios can truly be all consuming. Preventing them from coming up in the first place is a great time saver in the long run.
I work well with to do lists. I guess the problem I run into is sometimes even if I have a list I tend to get off focus. I catch myself and get back on track. By moving through this module I can see that when I make my lists I need to order things in order of importance and sometimes I forget to do that. Great module.
Yes, our students must come first. That's something that faculty and administrations should reach consensus on - at least in a perfect world.
I try to be as organized as possible, so I almost always accomplish tasks as soon as they are encountered or assigned. In this manner, I can keep on top of tasks and am not consumed with "what-if" scenarios.
Sometimes what I think can be put off 'til later is not what my bosses think! They seem to have a different opinion as to what is the most important task at hand. As an instructor, I feel that my most important task at hand is related to my students and anything that I can do to help their education along is what I should be concentrating on.
I like to hear that you are steadily improving Lawrence. Remember, it doesn't ever have to be a perfect system. But getting better and better is great!
That's a great system Michelle. It's important to have time working for you.
This is a tough situation that many instructors talk about Heather. Trying to refocus on personal tasks and find balance is important for your family.
