I have been a fan of "to-do" lists for a long time and I really feel a sense of accomplishment when I am able to cross off a task. For instancem completing this course is on my "to-do" list before I leave for a short holiday break. I am looking forward to being about to cross this off as complete.
I have a tendency to do the really important things---and the things I least ike to do, pretty quickly so that I don't have them hanging over my head. If anything, I tend to learn towards immediacy---and at times that can be really stressful. I do at times beat myself up if I don't get everything done I have on my list for a certain day. So---I need to work on being comfortable with the idea that I don't have to do it all at once!
I generally have a to do list of tasks. I make a list to not forget what needs to be done-the list is ongoing. My days run on a schedule which I have in my head and on the calendar. In regards to this module I will put more thought into what I say yes to!
Marc,
I think it is important to sometimes take a smaller task that may not be a major priority and do it because like you mentioned sometimes we need that little push to get us off and running.
James Libell
I do sometimes make a list of tasks to complete, and sometimes even prioritize them. What I need to do is be more consistent in creating, maintaining, and following my task lists.
One thing I got out of the module is the idea to denote level of priority in task lists, which I've never done, and will start to do.
Melissa, I agree with you that we often perform the less important and/or urgent tasks before attacking the crucial ones. This must be human nature because it describes us so well. Ultimately, it must be a self-defense mechanism, a sort of cognitive dissonance, if you will.
My most productive years were spent with lists and priorities. My least productive years were spent without them.
Your module reminds me of what I already know but often chose to ignore (as do many of us in academia). Thank you for this very important reminder.
Before this module I made limited lists -- especially on our busiest days. Now I will make it a stronger part of my routine.
This is a thought provoking question. The simple answer for me is "sometimes". I am usually very good about prioritizing tasks. I ususally place tasks in order they need to be completed. However, there are times with family, work, home projects, emergencies, etc that sometimes just get in the way. I also think that the holidays also sometimes effect these priorties as well. In summary the bottom line is for me "discipline". As long as I stick to my task list and deadlines, I usually stay on task.
I often work on the tasks that have the nearest deadline first -- though in some cases, as with critical draft responses that the students need in order to revise their final essays, I assign higher priority to tasks that have great learning value and responses with more (and longer) educational content. I'll continue to work on getting minor tasks done quickly, too -- sometimes it seems they accrue without my even noticing!
Excellent work Adrienne! I hope you are scheduling in some rest for yourself every now and then.
Mary,
I have this problem as well at times. I write down what I need to do but I fail to get them covered at times. Other things get in the way. I'm trying to focus on my tasks first now before I handle anything else. It appears to be helping.
I usually try to complete my assignments based on deadlines. I find it harder to get things done ahead of time since I am constantly meeting deadlines. I will try to focus more on prioritizing things better in the future.
Wow, it sounds like you have time management down to a science Tami. I hope you are scheduling in a little relaxation time.
That sounds like a nice way to balance things Joseph. Both urgency and time to task completion are key variables to consider when making prioritization decisions. Now, if you could only stick to that list!
Andrea, I know it can be hard to get started - especially when you know what you need to do but haven't yet done it. I recommend starting small. Just try keeping a simple to do list for one aspect of life (work, personal) and work off of it, even in the slow season. This way, you'll practice a good habit that will be with you when you really need it.
I often get overwhelmed by all the things that have to be done and too ambitious when it comes to realistically evaluating what's possible. But I usually do a to do list during breakfast which makes it much clearer. This also helps me to see the priorties rather then being stressed out about having to do it all the same day. After using my intellect/ left side of the brain to make this list I learned to then use my gut/intuition to pick the most beneficial things to do first. This has proven very efficient. I also start with things that I like, are and give me momentum through a feeling of accomplishment.
It depends on what I have going on at the time. For the most part, I am comfortable enough in my classes - I know what needs to be done in the immediate future and what can be put off - that I don't need to have a to-do list constantly going. However, I do know how easy I can forget things when I get really busy. At those times, I do start a to-do list, just so I can get everything down on paper and prioritize what needs to be done before other things.
The hard part with me is that I'm a classic procrastinator. I will almost always put off until tomorrow what I should probably be doing today. In my full-time job, I've got it practically down to a science! I know exactly how long it takes me to complete a task so I can do what I want for as long as possible.
I know that I need to prioritize and to actually implement the prioritization. I know what I need to do, I just need to do it. With this module and implementing these "good practices", I will hopefully be better able to list and prioritize - and to actually get these things done.
In the too-rare times that I stick to a task list, I prioritize by a combination of urgency and how much time the task takes. For example, if I need to grade a set of assignments (2+ hours) and take care of some administrative detail (less time), and I have only a short block of time in the present, I'll choose the shorter task, and wait until later in the day when I'll have more time, to complete the other task.
When I think of tasks which are urgent and important I tend to think primarily of things I must do at my job. My personal life has very little sense of urgency; however, it is important to me. I am not as "driven" in my personal life as I am with my career. I do have a finely attuned sense of urgency and importance in terms of my work functions and I am always able to complete things on time--usually in advance of when they are due. Depending upon the task and its desirability I may put it off, but never to the point it is not successfully completed on time.
Based upon what I have learned in this module I will create a written "To Do" List as opposed to a mental one. I tend to think about what I must do the following day at home before I go to sleep and I create an internal "To Do" List on my drive to work. I have been successful with this but I think if I create a more formal list it will act as a visual aid, I will be able to more accurately prioritize things, and I will be able to cross things off when completed. Crossing them off when completed will be a tangible reminder of what I have accomplished and it may affect the order in which I accomplish my urgent and important tasks in the future.
If I create a written list with both urgent and important tasks and update it weekly I should be able to better plan and manage my time for the future. In addition, I think I will begin doing this in my personal life to see if I can create a greater sense of urgency. I am not suggesting I do not do things in my personal life; however, I feel if I followed the recommendations of this module I may become more focused and productive. Perhaps it will spur me to a new hobby, activity or allow me to focus on improving my future plans for retirement.
Yes, I feel there are certain tasks that I put off for long periods of time (example: grading). If I go ahead and complete these tasks earlier they will reduce my stress level.
I have an issue with immediacy so I don't tend to put things off. I do prioritize well and manage to get everything done by the deadline. I have used a to do list almost all my life - I have always been someone even in childhood who had alot going on. I only have one list and includes all my different roles on it in catagories: College Administrator, Faculty, Cattle company, Board of Directors, pesonal and so on. The list is updated every Sunday evening so that I start out Monday's rady to go.
I usually have a 'to do list' in my head but do not write it down. What I learned from this module is that writing the list down is very important to prioritize the tasks and to reduce the stress level Going over the tasks mentally can be very taxing and stressful. I am curious to know how many of you have been writing down your 'to do list' ?
Seema Vaid
