Randy, It sounds like you have developed a healthy approach to task completion. Urgent tasks do take priority so it's good to face them head on.
Dr. Melissa Read
Kizmit, Many of us battle the obstacle of immediacy. That's how we got where we are in life. In part, immediacy can be a good thing. However, it can also be a stress source as some of us never rest.
Dr. Melissa Read
Elizabeth, You are spot on! No one enjoys undesirable tasks, but fretting over them when they are incomplete is often even more undesirable. Chipping away at the tasks we don't enjoy can free out time and minds to focus on the more enjoyable things.
Dr. Melissa Read
I will change the order of the way I get my tasks done in future. I will make a list of tasks that need to be done and I will review it to ensure the priority level on a task has not changed. The lesson provided me with some helpful hints for the future. I never considered reprioritizing or marking a recurring task as recurring in order to cut down on the amount of anxiety long lists create.
I have never used a "to do" list but the concept looks like it will help me stop procrastinating. Not only that, a list would help me remember those tasks that I have not yet completed and it would show which tasks I have finished (which is also a good thing).
I accomplish the tasks as order of urgency first then when time permits, when I have time to focus, I then take care of the important tasks.
I tend to complete the tasks that are the most urgent first. However, I do find myself battling with the obstacle of immediacy. I try to get everything done in one setting. And while I know which project is the most important, the idea that I have several thingts to do can become overwhelming. I see how it contributes to stress in the workplace.
I admit, I do like to procrastinate sometimes. But on the whole, I try to get my tasks done with enough time to spare, so that if things change or I find I forgot sometime, then I'll have time to correct. I find that having my tasks on my phone calendar helps because it reminds me.
I usually wait until the last minute. I should make a "to do list" and prioritize tasks. That is something I will surely try to work on.
I always want to put off the tasks that I do not enjoy completing. This section made me realize that I need focus on the prioritization of these tasks. If it is a large task, I can break it down into smaller manageable chunks.
I definitely choose to accomplish the most urgent/important tasks first. I personally feel that I struggle with the obstacle of immediacy. I tend to want to get things done, done, done, and this easily leads to stress and anxiety. I need to use a prioritized to-do list on a much more regular basis to help avoid this issue.
If it's one thing that I know I tend to do is try to accomplish completing the tasks that are most important or urgent immediately. However, what tends to happen is that because something has become important or urgent, something usually gets pushed down the list and that's something that I know I need to work on. It's not that those tasks are not at all important, it's that because they are not as urgent I think to myself "I can get to it later." That's not always the case.
I tend to put tasks off for another time. Procrastination is a big fault of mine. I want to stop this and one obstacle that I have to overcome to succeed is to watch less TV. I don't usually tend to try to do something right away. Sometimes this is a blessing because I get time to mull over and think or sleep on the task which seems to result in better solutions. I will be trying to prioritize tasks as suggested. I have always had to do lists and had a similar method for prioritization but still got hung up on procrastination and other people's needs interrupting me. I need to find more motivators to keep in my vision.
I mainly have aproblem with two things: 1) Procrastination and 2) Disorganization. So my time mangement is abysmal. The organization part really stmps me but the three piles and having the discipline to actually throw out papers without worrying that I "may need it" or may enjoy or find use for it later it would definitly help.
I actually believe that I am very competent at prioritizing my tasks. I have had to make to do lists for years and yes, some tasks are continually pushed to the bottom of the list until then end of the term but they always get done before the due dates. I would not say I accomplish task right away nor do I put them off. I have learned over the years it is a balancing act that one needs to learn that you cannot always accomplish everything you set out to in a day. Some tasks might just have to wait for another day. I do not believe I will change how I prioritize my tasks because for the most part I do not feel I am rushed to do my work and it gets done in a timely manner.
i like to get the tasks that are important done with so i can have time to keep learning
Urgency will depend on when a task is due. Since most tasks will be a sequential set of events, performing those tasks in the sequence they are due assists with time management. A lesson plan has to be finished before a lesson can be taught, which will then require a quiz. The quizzes must be finished before a test can be constructed, and the tests will be the basis for a midterm. Since we are lucky in the fact that midterms don't come before quizzes we can set the urgency of a task due to practical use and due date.
Procrastination certainly haunts my to-do lists, and while I easily immerse and complete a task once I start it, its the starting that is often the struggle. Sometimes I find myself completing low priority tasks to avoid starting the big ones. So, I cannot say that I will completely change the way I prioritize, I do need to change how I attack the tasks. On a related note, has anyone seen http://www.bulletjournal.com/?
I would have to agree with most on the discussion. Immediacy and control are really sabotaging my efforts to prioritize. I am going to use some of the techniques to brainstorm out what I have to do this week. Then, I will categorize and prioritize the tasks. If I get into the habit of doing this each Sunday, I think it will give me more control over my time and make each task seem less urgent than it really is.
Erica
Richard, Some of us have certainly developed time management rituals over the years. Every now and then, it's important we examine them to see if they are optimal or could be improved. Sounds like you have got a good system in place.
Dr. Melissa Read
