I'm a Pro procrastinator. We all have ways to prioritize and cope. While the recommendations are helpful, having ADHD challenges me to tailor how I prioritize tasks. My methods differ from this module but they work.
I like the points make about the to-do list. I have been known to make daily lists as well as weekly or weekend lists to help me remember what I need completed. I have learned to separate my lists at home and at work because I can get a bit overwhelmed.
I also liked reading about immediacy. I have a tendency to want to do everything the minute it happens. I have learned with time that doing everything at that time does make me work longer, makes me tired and mistakes are then made.
It is extremely important to set limits and use task prioritization. I will keep this in mind the next time I write a list and set deadlines to get my work completed.
I am a procrastinator; I will admit to it! So, since I already know my shortcoming I know that I MUST prioritize. I create To-do lists all the time. I write them down, I put them on my calendar, and in my cell phone!! They're everywhere! When completing tasks I try to discern which task is most urgent and due the soonest. I then make my determination based on what I will do first. If there is a task that is due later on down the line, then I take my time (all the while thinking about it - in the back of my head). I try to stay away from procrastination, but it befalls me. I try to resolve the obstacle of immediacy by creating To-do lists. I try to ignore the obstacle of isecurity, but I am ALWAYS insecure and revising my lesson plans! So, I am hoping that I am on my way to being a SUPER Task Prioritizer!!
I have an extremely busy life. I work three jobs and rarely have time for myself. I never write a to-do-list because I feel I would never use it. I am one of those people who work best disorganzied and it is hard for me to change. However some of the prioritization task tips seem very helpful and important. I will try to implement them during my next module of teaching!
This module taught me to prioritize important and urgent tasks by using a weighting system. In the past I would try to give all matters equal weight and attempt the juggling act which is not very productive. Most days I am faced with multiple tasks that can be considered urgent. Usually these tasks are a combination of being work related or family related. The one think I have learned over the years is that urgent tasks related to family take priority over work.
If I have a task to perform, and I know it's important, I do it as soon as possible. But, if the task is not that important, I do it when I feel like doing it. I can certainly determine if a task is really important.
Putting off important tasks is never really useful. The task is still there tomorrow, and tomorrow I usually have other important tasks to do.
So, I try to never put off until tomorrow a task that I can do today.
I am pretty good about not procrastinating. But I don like the idea of prioritizing things, by actually numbering tasks to be done. Sometimes I put things on my planner on days that I plan to do them. I am good about looking at my planner and staying organized in that way.
Paula, That sounds like a great system for keeping organized and on top of the most important things. At the same time, it sounds like a lot of work. Perhaps you could automate some of the calculations in a MS Excel file.
Dr. Melissa Read
An instructor from a master's program I am in showed us a numbering system for prioritizing tasks on both importance AND urgency. For each task, you rank it from 1-10 based on importance (higher number = more important). Then, you also rank each task from 1-10 based on urgency (again, higher number = greater urgency). Then, you total each task. The highest numbers must be completed first, and so on. I did REALLY good with that for a couple of weeks, and I need to get back to it. This method makes the priorities crystal clear! Hope that might help someone else.
Kris, Wonderful to hear. I imagine that this process gives you a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Many instructors just love crossing items out on their list and experiencing that progress.
Dr. Melissa Read
I certainly wouldn't attempt to claim that I am the best time manager and these tools do re-emphasize the benefits of healthy time management and to-do list organization. But isn't there something to be said for doing your job in the way that it brings you the most joy? Is there truly no pleasure in procrastination? I'm not trying to defend poor time management, just curious!
give student a task to finish in time so they can be ready in the medical field
I did realize the need to relax alittle. If I prioritize better, I will still get everything done without the anxiety.
I have used "To Do" lists for years and mark those tasks that need to be accomplished first with an asterisk. I also review my list at the end of each day to cross off completed tasks and as a reminder of those that still need to be completed.
Maryrose, On one hand, it sounds like you are on top of things. On the other, you may be struggling a bit with immediacy. Trying to pack a little less into your days may be a healthy approach and one to seriously consider.
Dr. Melissa Read
Yees, I'm more of a immediate kind or person. I need to pace myself
I pride myself in the consistent manner in which I learned to prioritize tasks many years ago. I consider this module as an excellent reinforcement of the information that I apply.
I accomplish tasks right away because I can't leave until everything is done. I'm the guy who gets burnd out simply because there is always something to be done. My to-do-list dictates what has to be accopmlish. I won't change my prioritization pattern due to the fact that most things are time sensitive so it has to be in the number one postion. However, I do need to work on packing too much into one day. This modual has made me acutely aware that I add too much unessary stress to my work day.
I've always created "to do lists" but never really prioritized them. I'm definitely excited about creating new lists that incorporate this new tool I've learned to see how it works. I find that the small tasks never really get accomplished since they never make it on the "to do lists" to begin with.
Rae Lynne, This makes sense and there are a lot of instructors who work the same way you do. It's a lot easier to get into tasks that you enjoy. Sometimes easy but mildness lasts are really hard to get started. At the same time and to your point, when people depend on you for those smaller tasks, it's important to get them done. Otherwise, you may face challenges in your workplace relationships and this can be tough.
Dr. Melissa Read
