Tim, Flexibility is key so I'm glad you mentioned this. Rigidity does not get us far when working down items on our lists.
Dr. Melissa Read
I usually do prioritize my tasks; however, if I am feeling overwhelmed, sometimes I will do a smaller task that might not be as urgent just to give myself some sense of accomplishment. Then I will complete the urgent task.
Joshua, Excellent to hear! Sometimes the first step in addressing a problem is simply identifying that you have one. Next step is of course doing something about it, and I'm glad you have learned some good methods for that.
Dr. Melissa Read
Priority is always changing. You have to remain flexable on priorities and work on the most pressing tasks first. Being too set in your priority list can cause undo stress.
This is helpfull to me, I need to understand that you must reprioritize on a regular basis as priorities change.
I really found that I have both procrastination and control issues. From what I have learned in this module I know to prioritize and deal with my tasks in a more timely manner.
I tend to procrastinate but not too badly. I do make to do lists and I do prioritize them, this help me absolutely. Although I may stretch the time occasionally, the to do list helps me stay focused when I have to push.
Gary, It sounds like you have a well-organized system in place for task prioritization. Excellent to hear! Yes, some instructors are visual learners. Their methods for task completion work best when they do things their way and incorporate visual elements into their prioritization work.
Dr. Melissa Read
I usually write a "to do" list first to not forget anything that i must do. Then prioritize it after i finish writing the list.
I always choose to accomplish all tasks as soon as possible. I think that from now on I will start to prioritize my list and do what is most important first, and then work down the list to the least important.
I am a visual learner, and I prioritize my tasks visually by either writing them down or picturing the list in my mind, if it is a simple list. After writing them down once, I'll likely start another list so that I can rearrange the order for my priorities. Urgency certainly will move those tasks to the top of the list, and I am reliable about acting upon them in the order I have set. I may learn later that I didn't prioritize my tasks for maximum effeciency, but I can accept that I was provided a learning experience for next time.
Michael, I understand where you are coming from. Sometimes it's easier to just rely on a list when we really need it. That being said, sometimes it's hard to anticipate when our work will get busy. It's nice to have an up-to-date list on hand to manage through the unexpected.
Dr. Melissa Read
Belinda, Interesting to hear. Usually I find that instructors are moving in the opposite direction, getting better and better at time and stress management. Perhaps this isn't such a bad trend for you after all. Perhaps you have learned to let some things at work go and focus on the more important things in life.
Dr. Melissa Read
Problems with procrastination and immediacy are flip sides of the same bad coin, and perfectionism is what often does me in. I find myself thinking, if I finally do this postponed thing, well, that will mean I should have done it sooner, I waited too long, too little too late. I can get things done when I resist worrying over doing well something that just needs to be done.
I make to-do lists, but I don't make them at regular intervals, which is something I will change...if I'm regularly updating my list, deciding which tasks are priority, then I won't have to make a list only when I start to feel overwhelmed or lost.
I also tend to just write down everything that comes to mind, and then put tasks in priority order. I believe breaking up the list into catagories may help me as well.
I do change the prioritization of the tasks as time goes by. Sometimes, what seems a priority now in hals a day will take a second place on my list.
I don't know what happen, I was not somebody to procrastinate before. I would normally take care of things right away, but as i grow older I tend to put tasks off and deal with it on the deadline. I guess the adage "as you grow older, you grow wiser" does not work for me.I guess it's time to put priorities in place.
Ty, Thanks for sharing. It's amazing how many culinary instructors share the same kinds of scenarios. This field might be one of the highest stress to teach and work in based on your description and the descriptions of many instructors like you. I'm glad to hear that this module reinforced some good strategies for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
Gary, It sounds like you may be dealing with a bit of role ambiguity. This is quite stressful and often impacts new instructors. I might recommend talking to the people you work with, including your supervisor, to get a clear sense of their expectations and what should be on your list!
Dr. Melissa Read
I usually choose to accoplish the urgent tasks right away. I do practice prioritizing and I work hard to take care of myself with yoga and hiking.
