Time is a problem for everyone in most jobs. I typically try to get everything done immediately. I believe prioritizing a list and doing a weekly update will really make the tasks that I have to do much more manageable.
Ellen. This will also help your organize your thoughts onto paper for you do not have so much anxiety. Nothing is worse that wondering if you forgot something. This can consume more of your time that you already do not have. I use them, and encourage my students to do the same.
Good luck with your "To Do List".
I have always been pretty good at creating task "To Do" list, and I do prioritize my tasks. The part that I have taken extra note on was that after I prioritize my tasks I made it a goal to get them all completed in one day. I now see that this is a Control issue on my part. I do not deviate from that list, but I now know that it is ok to pushed some of the tasks that are not so important to the next day. Working ahead has always been my moto, and it has kept me on track for many year. This section has taught me to slow down, and that not everything needs to be done in one day.
Task Prioritization has been my weakness. I am the program director at my department at the same time I teach two classes. I have been dividing my time between my students and the staff. I have a “to do list†but I never thought about Prioritizing. The information that I learned in in Module 1 really woke me up. I am looking forward the next Mod.
It helps exceptionally well considering the consequences of tasks that aren't fullfiled because the accountablilty you put upon yourself.
I usually choose to accomplish these tasks right away if they are priority. Sometimes is it difficult because everything seems like it is priority! In acadamics at a career school we are such an important factor to every department which leaves us spread too thin sometimes and we must remember what items are really priority and to make sure those tasks are completed on time.
Tom, Wonderful to hear that you enjoyed this course! Based on your description, it sounds like you have gotten a chance to know yourself and your habits very well. That's a great position to be in. From there, you can work on areas to improve and enjoy all the things that make you already great at managing your tasks.
Dr. Melissa Read
Deborah, So true! Building in a good margin for error is often the key to success in getting tasks accomplished. The unexpected situations are so much more manageable when we can buffer our schedules.
Dr. Melissa Read
Kim, It's great to hear that you both understand the pitfalls of procrastination and are teaching others about what you know. Sometimes as we teach others, we are reminded of best practices that we need to use ourselves.
Dr. Melissa Read
I do address the tasks right away. It does my head good to know that things are done, finished, etc. I think I have some issues with rushing to get work done but that is mostly so I don't have things hanging over my head while doing other things like family, fun, or relaxing activities.
Mary, Breaking large tasks down into small ones really does help chip away at them. Also, I'm glad to hear you are avoiding immediacy issues to the best of your ability. This will likely keep your energy and focus high.
Dr. Melissa Read
Prioritizing is something I do daily as they often change. I focus on importance of the task, and its deadline or due date. If needed I break down larger tasks into smaller ones and create due dates for each one, if applicable. This helps maintain focus and avoids immediacy and confusion about where to begin the work day and what to focus on.
The more and more I have to do, I realize after going through this mod that I do need to actually write things down and really prioritize. Looking at it on a list might change the order than how I was thinking of the order in my head. Also with all the technology, it is easy to get distracted by wanting to respond and, depending on how much time is spent doing that, then the priority list may change.
I stress the importance of this to all my other instructors. It does put thingds in perspective and makes it a lot easier to get other things done when you prioritize your tass daily and do not wait 8ntil the last minute. it is also a stress save r for yourself.
I am the same way. Have operated from that mindset for years. Even when I have To Do lists I end up not reading them and doing tasks out of my head.
I think it is critically important to have a "to do" list and to check it regularly. Also, I find that it is important to have flexibility! Urgent situations do occur when unexpected. As instructors we need to model the desired behaviors such as organization, self-control, and the ability to change plans when needed!
I have been an instructor for over 17 years and feel I have a pretty good organisational system. urgent tasks are given the highest priority and I rarely miss a deadline. Non-critical tasks are given lower priorities and I usually will take care of them at a later time or date.
Hello Dr. Read,
I admit my control issue has always been get it done as soon as possible, aka Immediacy according to the course text. Although there have been times I have procrastinated, this is rare. This course was very interesting in that I have always made and still do make 'to-do' lists not only to keep abreast of what I have to do but also to be able to prioritize (as well as assist my memory!). And speaking from experience, numbering items to set priorities does work, at least it has for me for some years, and it was interesting to see this method mentioned. I found the text both interesting, informative and entertaining.
-Tom
It depends on "urgency".What are the consequences it I don't accomplish the task(s) in a timely fashion. If there are no real consequences, then importance/time is the deciding factor.
Not really, I unconciously follow the format presented "most of the time". However, sometimes it can get pretty "hairy!"
LATONYA, It sounds like you know yourself well, both your strengths and opportunities. That's a great place to start. Yes, go ahead and try to make small changes. Change doesn't have to be drastic. It's possible to evolve your approach for greater productivity over time.
Dr. Melissa Read
