I think you've got a good attitude about it. It's sort of a trial and error process when you are starting something new.
I've learned so much in the few weeks that I've been teaching my new course. It takes me much less time to create power points for lectures than I had anticipated and much more time to grade and give students good feedback. So, now I have a better way to approach things because I've got a better understanding of what needs to get done first.
I agree with you there... without the internet you cannot grade, facilitate, answer e-mails and so fourth.
So, making sure that the internet connection is up and stable should be the first thing you do, even if you are up against deadlines.
Wendy, I can relate to the "urgent" task taking front stage. The problem is that there are sometimes too many "urgent" task.
Le Roy
I have the same issue about over estimating how much I can accomplish in the time I allot to tasks.
To-do lists with frequent updates are helpful. However, I have found I do better when I write out my lists instead of putting them online. Must be my learning style ;)
Many instructors feel the same way Deborah. The key is to understand what works with you and go with that.
Prioritizing important items has been something i have been naturally able to do. the problem lies in over-prioritizing things to the point where less important tasks sometimes get forgotten in my rush to take care of the improtant things.
Melissa,
In the past I would prioritize tasks in my mind, not taking the time to write them done. I usually accomplish the tasks right away. However, I do miss some becuase of the urgency to complete the most important tasks. Now I do see the value of taking the time to write them down.
After reviewing this module about task prioritization I will put more thought into how urgent a task is and complete more difficult projects first so I can move on to other areas of my life and work.
I have gotten away from doing To-do lists lately because sometimes taking the time to write out the list is a task that takes time away from other tasks (can get something else done the seems "more important"). This module has reminded me that the To-do list will actually save me time :) Putting a little time in upfront to get organized and figure out prioritys helps with my time management and makes everything less stressful.
We indeed mush strike a good balance Michael. Sometimes the pendulum swings too far in one direction. When that is the case, we must self correct.
Indeed. Sometimes you have to take one step back to move a few steps forward.
After a list is generated of what needs to be compelted prioritization is the next step in the process. Prioritizing alows one to put things in logical order of importance and not procrastinate.
I sometimes have a tendency to oput off the most urgent tasks and do smaller tasks as a distraction. I will try and change the order in which I accomplish tasks doing the most important and urgent tasks first.
Indeed, prioritization is powerful and key in time and stress management. Making a list is really just the first step. When you prioritize, you really start to control and own your situation.
I am very discipline in my approach to tasks. I prioritise my activities and based on the urgency of time/due date, I complete those tasks first.
I do not like to sit on task. For some, I take a little time to better understand them and come up with the best way to complete them.
I am pretty much satisfied with the way I complete tasks which closely track the suggestions covered in this module.
I am very good at prioritizing. I have a different problem. I take on too much. I am very organized, but have not quite realized thtat there are only 24 hours in a day. Do you have any suggestions on how I can not be so overwhelmed? I am not overwhelmed in my professional life. I handle shcool very well. Work is a refuge. It's all the other areas, such as remodeling, errands, dealings with life in general (health insurance, business), etc. that get to me.
David, after living with a procrastinator, I find it to be much worse that having the sin of immediacy! Do you find that you have a knee jerk reaction or do you automatically prioritize?
Melissa, you made a great point. I read that instead of crossing off things and leaving a list of things that haven't been done....that you make a list everyday of things you accomplished. Of course, I am too tired by the end of the day to do that!
Mary, I have the same problem. I plan too much. Hence, I disappoint myself. What suggestions do you have for us to correct this?
Did you assign priority and urgency to your tasks? If you did, then as long as you have accomplished those tasks that HAVE to be done today, you should feel like you have achieved your goal. Instead of assigning a number to those items to establish importance, perhaps you could say "What has to be done today, tomorrow, or the next day."
