I have been using to do lists now for several years and they are wonderful. They help me be prepared every day for what is on my schedule. I like to prioitize them with numbers also and it is wonderful to be able to line off each task as it is accomplished. I like to have my tests and any handouts ready to go at least a week ahead of time because our copy machine can be very unreliable at times or is not available that day because others have it tied up.
I learned some of these skills over time because of the consequences that occurred when I was less efficient at good time management.
This is a great question for yours truly, Because I am one of those that must complete everything right away, and when I do not, I'm off my game. Additionally I cannot say no "enough," thus interfering with my time management.
So the answer is definitely yes!
I agree with you this has always been an issue of mine. I am definitely a control and immediacy person. Then when I started teaching and could not always get it done right away, I would feel inadequate and had to learn to prioritize the important first and get to the others when I had free time. Students don't have to get instant results on tests and can wait a day or two.
I have had a lot of responsibility for some time and I have had to organize and prioritize due to the fact my job effects everyone else. While I am a procratinator, I organize and attack my to do sheet with a vengence based on urgency and a time-table. When I am going to not make the time-table, I communicate it so that all are aware. Communication goes a long way when the schedule doesn't work out and this can happen often.
I normally complete minor tasks first and save important tasks for when I have a block of time to devote to them. That allows me time to treat the work with the appropriate level of attention. It varies according to circumstance.
George, That sounds like a healthy approach to prioritization and if it's working for you, great! Some people take it a step further and ask themselves what would happen if they did not complete a task. Thinking about that outcome often helps them gain clarity on priorities too.
Dr. Melissa Read
Thanks for helping me see the value of a daily to do list.In the past a to do list would be made only when i am in a crunch.
Yes. As we continue to do most things electronically, I find that I most often mis-use the flags in Outlook Email programs. Everything I need to do has a full red flag, because that is the first click. It marks everything as needing to be done today. This plays into the obstacle of immediacy.
I have always used "To Do" lists. Prioritizing the tasks should help me to not do the small, easy things first, which is always a temptation for me.
I choose to accomplish tasks by measuring the time required to complete the task and any deadline attributed to the task. I normally priortize student queries (email, appointments, needs) and complete thes tasks right away. Administrative tasks are partitioned and met by their deadlines.
Unfortunately, one must priortize tasks in order to survive successfully in a corporate setting. Although one might believe that teaching is the highest priority in a college for a teacher, one must also realize that equal attention must be allocated to administrative tasks and mandates. It is important to focus on the teaching part of the equation, but not to lose sight of the administrative needs of the corporation.
I will make an effort to accomplish those tasks that are most urgent first even if they are the more challenging and less fun items on the list.
It depends on my future projects and assignments.I will change the order in which I accomplish important and urgent tasks if needed.
Since looking at this information I have tried with success to makes a "to do" list and check things off as I go.
I think it is very important to understand how to prioritize tasks. I personally think I have a good handle of this but did learn that I, at times, suffer from task insecurity. I think reviewing this module helped me figure out how to overcome this insecurity.
I am usually good at prioritizing what task need to be done first and one that can wait a little more, but I found out a to do list will be helpfull. Sometimes my ADD effects tells me that writting a list is a waste of time and I use to keep or let myself think I do keep everything in order in my brain, but sometimes it is just too much and a "to do list" will certainly help.
Daniel, It sounds like you have developed a great system over time. That's wonderful to hear. None of us start out as experts. It takes time to refine our processes and develop standards that work for us.
Dr. Melissa Read
I tend to make lists and then set them aside. Keeping track of the list and checking them off is a good way to keep organized.
Important tasks aren't always urgent so I accomplish urgent tasks first in a reasonable time frame. In the past I would procrastinate on important tasks that I didn't look forward to doing untill they became urgent. Now I set a time frame for each task and try to stick to that schedule.
Oh yes! I need to write things down first thing in the morning. The reason is, if you write down the days task each day first thing in the morning, you can get things done. This module took one step further by prioritization of each days task. Great info!
