Stephen, I understand where you are coming from and I've done the same thing. Sometimes it's a confidence builder to knock out a few simple tasks before moving on to the bigger ones. Note that you can break bigger tasks down into smaller chunks and that can help produce good motivation to attack those too.
Dr. Melissa Read
Tiwauna, So true. When you are more efficient and focused, your peers and administrators will notice. This is another positive benefit of course!
Dr. Melissa Read
Samiya, That's a tough question and one that many instructors face daily. I often try to delegate some of the tasks to other competent peers. When this is possible, all the tasks get done and I don't have to drop the ball.
Dr. Melissa Read
Yes, a lot of times I do the easiest or most fun tasks before the most important so I will work on that
When I set my goals for the week, I do break them down into manageable "chucks" but I allow myself to complete easier tasks first. I feel that if I can check off a few items from the list it gives me a sense of accomplishment that allows me a clearer mind to deal with the more complicated tasks. Rather than call it procrastination, I call it the momentum of success.
When you have several task that are equally important and dont have enough time to get time done in a timely manner how do you choose which ones to complete first?
Based on the knowledge and eye opener of this lesson, I will defianately prioritize. I realize why I'm always rushy and pushing deadlines. Being organized in prioritizing will help me to be more efficient and focused.
I am the type that would prefer to get the tasks done right away; however, it may not always be feasable to act right away. There may, at times require some thought out processes and a plan.
I set my limits on low priority tasks and focus on the much larger ones as high importance. I inquire on a timeframe when something is due and manage my day accordingly. In this manner, I am paced and focused on the task without adding unnecessary stress factors to the equation.
I look at the urgency of a project and how important it is, but on occaision if a simple unimportant task can be taken care of quickly i sometimes do it to begin to develop a sense of accomplishment before starting a bigger task.
I would usually accomplish task right away and this would stress me out, I think it is better to think about what task are most important and urgent and then deal with them, its OK to change your list.I will definitely change the way I do things.
Before taking the module I would try to respond to everything immediately not realizing that this was stressing me out. now I will make a to do list and prioritize of urgency and importance in what works for my schedule and time.
I use task lists very regularly. Priotizing items is always a challenge, but this module was helpful in a technique for setting a priority to my list. I would also offer that it has been most effective for me to review and reprioritize my list each day BEFORE I leave the office. If I wait until I get in the next day, I am already behind the curve. An investment of a few minutes to revise my list for tomorrow is worth the time. Yes, I have even put that on my list as an important task.
Richele, I am very much like you. To do lists give me great satisfaction when I can cross things off them. At times I like to keep prior lists so I can see all that I've accomplished. This keeps me motivated.
Dr. Melissa Read
Regina, Interesting system. This probably works well when you don't have a ton of tasks to complete. When you do, it might make more sense to start writing things down as opposed to keeping mental notes. Of course you have to do what works best for you!
Dr. Melissa Read
Andrew, Indeed true. Breaking larger tasks into smaller chunks makes them so much more manageable and less daunting. Sometimes it's simply impossible to get motivated to complete large tasks, but chipping away at the pieces is far more attractive.
Dr. Melissa Read
Michael, Sounds like a plan. Yes, it's tempting to accomplish certain tasks immediately. However, we've really got to take a look at our priorities instead. It doesn't all have to get done today, just the important stuff!
Dr. Melissa Read
prepare my classes on time.
dedicating time to Autopreparation
score the examinations already done
spend time my family every day
spend time physical exercise three times a week
My previous work experience demanded time management to acomplish tasks timely, I learned that making "to do lists, is an effective tool, I do find myself procrastinating at times, looking at the list and putting it off until tomorrow and sometimes doing everything on the list at once and a feeling of relief when I cross off accomplishments,based on what I have learned I will try to prioritize and consistently complete tasks
We are currently changing the format of our lesson plans and I find myself procrastinating, but after looking at this information and breaking down the big task into smaller tasks it seems like it would be much easier and less overwhelming to accomplish the lagre task.
One of my time issues is being a teacher as well as pro musician. I find managing my teacher time profoundly easier than the other aspects of my career, to the point where truly important music pro things fall further to the rear while urgent tasks needing my attention get it. I usually look at this as simple bad judgment, for when those important things fall far enough behind, they no longer matter. One of my perennial solutions has been to engage in some serious immediacy, which can leave me really burnt out.
