For tasks that are important and urgent to complete, I will put it on the list and assess the level of importance. Based on the level of urgency, I will typically try to finish up the project I am currently working on before moving onto the new urgent project. There are a number of factors that can and have changed this process, but this is my typical process(ritual).
I have a pretty good handle on prioritizing my tasks. There are some things that can be put off until later or things that can be delegated to coworkers who do not have a class.
Talk about a real eye-opener. I had just read an article about adult-ADD, ADHD and found myself possibly in that category; then when I started with this module it clicked. I have a combination of procrastination and immediacy. Talk about spinning your wheels and feeling like you've accomplished nothing. This module couldn't have been better timed. Now I have a much better understanding of what I need to do to get my "to do" list done correctly; not just done.
My question is how is that when I teach, or even in my day to day life I struggle with this; yet when I was still a bed-side nurse - I didn't - I did what needed to be done and got things done - or is it somehow different because of the expectations?
Melannie, It sounds like you have a great system in place and one that you can rely on. You are right, you don't necessarily need to change it. Just keep it up. As for your procrastination challenge, yes trying to work on a few tasks at a time can help. Breaking larger tasks into smaller ones is another great approach.
Dr. Melissa Read
Ali, Practice makes perfect indeed. Great time management skills don't happen overnight. Like any subject we learn, they require time and focused attention. It sounds like you are well on your way to mastering these skills.
Dr. Melissa Read
Mike, It sounds like you know yourself well and have a healthy approach to getting things done. For you, it's not just about the way things look but actually about true progress. That is something many others can learn from.
Dr. Melissa Read
Jeffery, I understand where you are coming from and a lot of students in this forum have shared that they have similar experiences. I rarely meet a person who gets everything done that they wish to accomplish each day, though many try. Knowing that sometimes helps as we have high expectations of ourselves. Sometimes we need to press the reset button on those expectations understanding that most days are not going to be 100% perfect.
Dr. Melissa Read
Jennie, This is an interesting observation. Social networks like Twitter and Facebook and driven a higher desire for immediate feedback. That being said, it's important to clearly set expectations in the classroom on what is reasonable and realistic. While we are all aided by technology, there are some fundamentals that require a time investment no matter which tools we use.
Dr. Melissa Read
I don't believe I will change how I handle tasks. I do have some procrastination, but I have worked to change that. I typically will write a to-do list at least once a week, especially when I am busy, and post it to my calendar, so it comes up the next day and reminds me of what I need to accomplish.
I do tend to grade certain assignments quickly, such as quizzes and tests, but I give my students a break after their quiz, so it gives me time to grade them and they aren't hovering for their grades. For homework and larger assignments, I will often work on them over the course of a couple days.
I find that I will procrastinate on some assignments, such as grading transcribed reports or papers, which causes me trouble in the long run. I am trying to work on that by working on a few at a time, because the huge pile can be overwhelming at times.
I think prioritization constantly changes. Some things may move up or down on the list according to what is going on with work, kids, community involvement, church responsibilities, etc. Just keeping a 'big picture' mentality helps me decide what really needs to be done and what can wait.
I have a huge procrastination problem. At work and home.
I normally complete the most important task first, particularly if relate to grade my students assignments. Prioritization is an important time management habit, which comes in handy especially on days when you've just got too many things cooking all at once. Having a list of next actions for your projects is nice. But sometimes you need to prioritize these tasks by deciding what's most important for you to get done right now. I think being able to confidently prioritize tasks is skills that some people are better at doing than others, but the more you practice doing this, the better you get at it.
While I considered myself to be decently organized, I found myself loosening up on my routine with regards to making my "to do" lists. I was waiting until the last minute to accomplish urgent tasks while completing less important ones. This course HAS definitely gotten me back on track!!
Yes I do. It fits me well. I'm a list maker for everything.
I worked for a number of years as an office manager. It prepared me well for teaching, or for any other career for that matter. Prioritizing is imperative, but making lists helps you in the long run.
Colette, Yes very true. It will probably help you feel more confident and less down to the wire when completing tasks.
Dr. Melissa Read
Stacey, That sounds like an organized approach. You probably rest more easily over the weekend, knowing you have a solid plan to count on when you return the next week.
Dr. Melissa Read
Darilyn, It sounds like you have built a great reputation. Taking a consistent approach can give the people you work with piece of mind and confidence that you'll deliver consistently.
Dr. Melissa Read
I am well known to always choose to accomplish the tasks that are most important and urgent for me to complete. Those who know me well expect this of me each and every time! :)
