Yes, I usually get overwhelmed when I think of all the tasks I need to get done. I often get that " I don't know where to begin" feeling. I do fall into the category of immdiacy which has led to fatigue and stress. The module has helped me realize that it is ok to put smaller tasks off for the future and trying to do it all at once isn't efficient. I am going to try to prioritize more and if the students don't get the test or homework back the next day, it's OK!:)
I tend to mull over my to do list. Then prioritize the tasks. But I do need to let go some of the immediacy that I feel in completing the to do list.
Yes, I will change alttle of my lists to balance my task completions.
I'm usually prretty good about prioritizing items, and I have always made lists. Sometimes, however, I do find myself jumping out of priority and completing a series of small tasks just for the sense of accomplishment in shrinking the list. I don't thinks I will change my approach just based on this course.
Jesse, I like the way you are choosy about which projects you accept and when. Most instructors have a hard time pushing back on projects when they receive them. Setting expectations upstream can really pay off downstream.
It sounds like you have a good system already in place Tracy. Yes, urgent tasks should be completed first if you want to avoid future stress.
Mary, sometimes when we check our lists too frequently, it can start to feel overwhelming. Try checking in just once or twice a day if your list is stressing you out.
I too often make "to do" lists. I have one running my day constantly. I really liked your advice about re-doing them , and prioritizing them. Often I look at my list and feel overwhelmed. This section was very helpful to me. Thank you.
I tend to complete urgent tasks right away. What I learned in the module is what I have already learned, and that is to prioritize. To put off an urgent and important task is to invite stress and negative consequences.
I tend to be a procrastinator. It seems to be associated with a moderate, but undiagnosed, tendency towards Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
When I start a project, whether it be important or not, I am psychologically obligated to finish it or it drives me absolutely nuts. Because of this, I tend to be very choosy about what I start and when.
When I commit to one project, it will overshadow all else until it is done - even if it causes other things to not get done at all. Doing things last minute, at first, tends to allow me to avoid this problem, but, in reality, just creates more stress.
I'll definitely be using some of the Task Prioritization skills presented in the online course. They'll help me to be less "clinical" (as pertains to diagnosis Vs. personality type).
I like to think about it, depending on the task either a few minutes or overnight. Then I start to work on it right away. "Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today" always rings in my head when I have things. Yes I will look at things a as far as prioritizing, but my mind set will still be the foundation with this modules ideas.
Lists are really great, especially wen you get the feeling of satisfaction knowing your are crossing things off and making progress.
I like to make lists, crossing off an item gives me a sense of completion and satisfaction. I do try to prioritize my lait on a regualr basis.
I this busy world it helps me to stay organized and get the important things done on schedule.
I like the idea, too. I'm going to try this and see how much faster it is to read my list.
I like your idea of using red ink Heather. Color coding is a great way to keep track of high priority tasks. And the color red really pops out at you.
Indeed. It's great to review your achievements daily. It can really help you feel like you are making progress.
I really like this notion of to do list... il helps me to prioritize my work.. and I can review on a daily base my achievements and not being carried away by some unforseen issues.
I believe I am fairly good at prioritizing my to-do lists. I am a huge fan of post-it notes. I make a list and write the most important tasks in red ink. Therefore, I know what needs to be completed first. I also tend to squeeze in some non-important tasks in between. I know I need to work better on fully completing the important tasks first.
I'm great at making a to do list, but tend to distracted by other things and end up procrastinating on getting to them.
These are great points Janet. Finding the right balance for you is key.
I think it is very important to find the middle ground. You can be too rigid about time management and, you can, also, be too relaxed about it. While I am organized and good at time management, I, also, try to be flexible, because things sometimes happen that we do not anticipate and we must be able to adjust to deal with those unplanned things.
