Prioritizing
Sometimes I feel as though I may not manage my time effectively because I take on too many tasks to please or help others. I then find myself putting my important tasks aside to give time to something that should be dealt with at later time. I have a fairly large and very close family, and sometimes I feel as though I go out of my way to assist with their tasks, which then causes stress for me later when I need to complete my own tasks. My important tasks on my list then become urgent and I feel rushed and stressed to do them. I need to prioritize my time better and make sure to complete all of my own important tasks before assisting others.
I think that makiing a list and ranking the tasks in time order can be difficult, since the task may be unrelated, and prioritizing one over the other can be challenging.
I also tend to have different 'lists' in different places, for example, iCal on one computer, a written list on paper, and a schedule in another computer linked to work email.
In spite of the difficulty I have with this, I will try it to see if I can create some type of master list that will help me prioritize more effectively.
You may find it hard to refocus more on yourself and your time needs because your family and friends are used to you dropping everything and tending to their issues. They might take this personally by feeling as if you are ignoring them or don't care about their problems any more. You will probably need to talk to them about it right when you begin to make these changes, explaining that just because you are going to focus more on yourself it doesn't mean that you don't care about their problems any more. Let them know that you still love and care for them but that you won't be as available as you have been in the past. A good set-up can help keep this from deteriorating into negative emotions and hurt feelings. Good luck!!
Miranda, Yes, it sounds like you are the perfect candidate for task prioritization! You are right. When people try to get everything done, they often instead get nothing done. Focus can be key to success.
Dr. Melissa Read
This is exactly what I do. I always have about 20 things going on at one time it seems. I stress myself because everyone knows that if I can get it done I will and I will put myself at the bottom of the pile to help everyone else. I need to do some prioritizing of my own.
