Hello Christina!
I use just the opposite strategy. I tend to complete the smaller tasks first since it quickly gives me a sense of accomplishment and motivation to complete the larger tasks. I really think that prioritizing the task by importance and urgency will assist me in the future. I think that I would keep an excel sheet with my list and prioritize on a regular interval.
Thank you for sharing your strategy! :)
I tend to accomplish tasks that do not take as long. This gives me a sense of accomplishment. In addition, at times I battle the obstacle of immediacy. I try to respond to emails right away or answer voicemails instead of working on the important tasks. However, after reading the modules I realize that is not a good method. It is important to prioritize on a weekly basis the tasks by importance and urgency and then completed tasks based on priority.
For the most part I manage time well and prioritize tasks well. Some times when I get a lot of pressure to get things done prioritization can deterioriate as I don't take the time necessary to evaluate the difference between the important and the urgent. This may be an immediacy issue, but I'm learning to just stop and think things through before taking any action.
I have let others dictate what I have to do and put off the tasks needed for my own development. From this point I will be more aware of the priority of each task and schedule the tasks as to the urgency and importance.
Very helpfull information, I will try to incorporate some of these ideas into my work. I think it should help some.
After going over this module, I think I am mix of a procrastinator as well as a "I have to do it now" type of person. But it seems to be balanced or the most part. Depending on the importance of the task generally is the deciding factor for me if I do it now or later. I don't think I will change my behaviors though, only because I seem to have found a happy balance between the two.
Lenore, That's a tough place to be. Sometimes, everything seems like a priority. When this is the case, I often ask myself what would happen if I did not complete each task on the list. This process usually helps me get clarity on the situation.
Dr. Melissa Read
It depends. If I have a decent amount of time to complete everything, I'll do the quick and easy things first to get them out of the way. If I'm on a deadline, I do the most important and urgent tasks first. I suppose it would be good to always do the most important and urgent tasks first, even if I don't have a tight deadline.
Absolutely! I do make a To Do list but I have not been putting numbers to prioritize the items. Thus, when I look at my list all of them seem to scream #1.
Carrie, This is a pretty common technique amongst instructors and it can work well. Sometimes, getting a few tasks quickly out of the way can be a big confidence builder. Sounds like it certainly is in your case. Also to your point, it can help you clear your mind when there are less tasks on your list. That's a big plus too.
Dr. Melissa Read
Lenore, Sounds like you have a unique approach, but one that works for you. If completing a few easy tasks help you get to the important stuff, go with that!
Dr. Melissa Read
I will indeed revaluate my priority lists and try the model given.
Gloria, Excellent to hear. Prioritization can make a big difference on the stress we experience each day. Attacking the most important assignments first can help us enjoy the others a little more later, as we get to them. This method also keeps people who are expecting task outputs from us at bay.
Dr. Melissa Read
Cordelia, It's nice to get ahead, as long as this method isn't stressing you out. Some instructors struggle with immediacy - trying to get everything done right away. If you find you need to push back and wait to complete a task every now and then, it's ok to do so.
Dr. Melissa Read
Yes, I am one of the teachers who make a list and do the easy things first. When (often) these easy tasks take more time than I have allowed it rushes me in doing the more important ones.
Yes, it will help me a great deal to prioritize.
When I don't I tend to procrastinate or do the
easiest ones first. This module is a very good
one for me personally.
We prioritize for a reason. The most important tasks are titled that for a reason. If we could wait to complete those tasks, our end goal will probably not be achieved within the time and scope needed.
I will still get the easy tasks out of the way first. I find that I can't concentrate on the more important tasks if there is too much to do. Once I slim down my to-do list a bit by completing easy tasks first, I feel a sense of accomplishment and am able to focus better on the important task at hand.
I usually complete teh tasks right away, I don't like putting off anything for later because something else can always come up then I am stuck with two big or small projects to do.
Lisa, Thanks for sharing. This is a challenge that many instructors face. One thing you can do is break down complex tasks into a few smaller sub tasks. This way, you can attack specific tasks each day and cross them off. Ultimately, you are progressing toward your bigger goal.
Dr. Melissa Read
