I tend to complete the tasks later, hence my stress. I have been sacrificing free time to accomplish test grading, etc. In order to be ahead, I grade tests the same day, and anticipate required tasks weeks ahead. Which as of right enables me more free time.
This course made me think about it more. So often I feel like there is so much to do that I don't know where to begin. I didn't think about making a list and ranking them in order of importance, but I am going to try doing that so that it doesn't feel like everythink has to be done at one time. This should make the work less stressful.
I have a running "To Do" list - I maintain and update this list weekly. This helps me stay on track and organized. This list is not a formal typed up affair - just in my briefcase on a a lined legal pad. Keeps me focused, especially when teaching several different classes with mant students.
I am guilty of procrastination. I put things off until the last minute most of the time, thinking that I just don't have the time to get it done. Based on what I have learned in this module, I have to not only change the order in which I accomplish important and urgent tasks, but I have to actually get in the habit of writing things to do on paper, and just get started on doing the things that need to be done.
Excellent to hear Paul. Now it's just time to get started. Sometimes that's the hardest part. I recommend jumping in by getting a piece of paper and just writing tasks you have on the top of your head. You can get more detailed later.
Sounds like you are struggling with immediacy Dale. For those of us who don't have a lot of tasks in our queues, this approach works ok. However, when the tasks keep coming in, this approach might overwhelm you. It's important to remember that everything doesn't have to get done right away. Some tasks can wait until tomorrow.
I think that it is sometimes hard to get motivated when a task seem like it is an almost impossible task to finish. By breaking it down into smaller elements is a good idea, so this way it does not seem like it is to overwhelming.
Generally I try and do a task as soon as possible. I put off a task when it is not pressing, but then have a tendency to forget and do it at the last minute, making it pressing.
I know in the future i will use the prioritization techniques recommended in this module. For me, I need to write stuff down in order to remember. The techniques in this module will work well with what i already do.
Excellent! So glad to hear you will reorient the way you work to become more efficient Richard. Great approach and good luck!
Hmm, perhaps you are just overloaded Nancy. This may not be procrastination after all. You might want to find a way to delegate if that's possible within your work environment.
Getting the right message/idea to the students is important, then having them apply the lesson/idea in a real life situation is ideal.
I tend to make a list of tasks and prioritize them just as the module suggests. If it is something urgent it goes to the top of the list and less important tasks follow. Because the module states many of the same techniques I already use I will not be changing my style of task prioritization.
I tend to pracrastinate, but it is related to the volumes of paperwork.
i have attempted to answer this question 5 times!! it is refused every time.. one more try. my reaponse to lack of time to do projects etc. is: don't let the clock drive your life... it is not worth it I am speaking from experience.. in my younger days everything was "clock" center. and in today enviorment the clock still directs our life styles..
when I focus on a clock I lose my sence of time feel rushed and im most cases gave incomplete and short answers to meet time dead lines.
I don't do that today and I am almost 73 years old and still teaching complex nursing material.. today I take time to smell the roses only in my case it lemon essensial oil.. a little mellow yellow rubed in my hand and inhailed makes all the difference in the world natural calmer.. try it. I get more work done today as a result of relaxation breaks. N rhomberg
It is amazing how technology continuously changes and aids us as instructors. Especially online instructors.
i used to put the most important tasks on the proverbial back burner but now, with the help of this course, i realize that by taking care of them as soon as possible actualy helps with relieving stress and giving me more time for do other things.
Nice plan Anthony. I know what you mean about scheduling. Sometimes our vision of what we'd like to accomplish does not match the reality of what we can do. We have to be reasonable in setting expectations of ourselves and others.
I like to get my important tasks done as soon as I can, my schedule will dictate if I can actually accomplish it. I will try to apply what I have learned to try and reduce my stress level under different circumstances.
Great to hear Cynthia! "Do it now" people are typically on top of things. But with no list at the house, a few things may slip through the cracks. In addition, you may find that you feel like you have to complete everything right away to make sure you don't forget. An at-home to-do list could help if you're experiencing these kinds of challenges.
