Sounds like a great plan Tim! I'm glad this module helped.
Yes, I will change the way I tackle my tasks in the future. I have found by not making a task list I will take them in the order of least resistance not on most importance. I realize now that by listing the order of importance I can reduce my stress level considerably.
This information reinforces the need to constantly review tasks, since priorities change all of the time. I will keep better track of my tasks through Microsoft Outlook
The path of least resistance can indeed threaten healthy time management. Do try listing out the order of importance to see how that goes.
Outlook is a great tool Shannon. Go ahead and test it out. You can start small by adding just a few meetings or tasks to the calendar and then work your way up.
I have found that trying to 'multi-task' all the urgent tasks; usually takes more time and leaves more half-completed tasks to be done later. I definately prioritize the 'most' urgent few tasks and save the rest for later.
That is exactly what I am currently working on...it will be better in the long run, of that I am sure!
I am someone that needs a list of all that needs to be done, and then I put those items in order of importance or timeframes. Then I start with item #1 and work my way down the list. The list might contain items that don't need to done until a later date, but they still go on the list so that I get an overall picture of what needs to be accomplished, when, and how much is there to do. While there are times I miscalculate how much I can accomplish in a timeframe, the list helps me stay focused and see my priorities.
It sounds like you have a fantastic system already Debra. Yes, occasionally we do miscalculate with respect to timing. But we learn from those experience, and they make our planning more precise in the future.
This is a good point James. With urgent tasks and those that are higher priority, it's far better to just focus on knocking them out one by one.
I tend to complete these tasks right away. Based on what I have learned I change the order in which I accomplish important and urgent tasks. Some examples are completing student grading before responding to emails.
Eva,
I have the same challenge. Now that I am in a doctorate program this is more of a challenge for me. Fortunately I work part-time for the university. The to do list will now not exceed six areas.
Wanda
I abosolutely agree that we fall prey to the path of least resistance. I have found that a to do list that is a white board or wall calendar works best for me since it is always in the same place to view. I tend to be a person that has a separate bag for each activity which appears to work in keeping me better organized as well.
My son who is in high school could not keep up with his portable calendar so I bought him a desk calendar which is a brain teaser which works better for him. He also has separate bags for blue and green days since his school does not have lockers. I guess my methods work.
Jo,
I also have two adjunct teaching jobs on ground and online. I also tutor for two different organizations. I also have had problems frogeting to do something for one of my businesses. I am still searching for the best methods. I recently purchased a wall calendar and write everything on it regardless of the business which is the first thing I look at in the morning before going to my portable calendar or outlook, neither which have worked for me.
I think you bring up a good point Wanda. Sometimes, the best technology isn't the best at keeping us organized. A standard desk calendar may work better than a PDA. It's all about figuring out what works best for you.
Ihave no difficulty completing tasks on time. I always establish a priority list and stick to it almost too much. There are times when an extra day would not make that much of a difference but I power through and always complete my list before I quit for the night. I need to relax more and be less rigid. I am much harder on myself than anyone else is and much harder than I am to anyone else. Flexibility needs to be my new motto.
Joyce,
I too am hard on myself.I am working on not being a Type A, high stress personality after a hospitalization this summer. I have turned my daughters room into a retreat area after she relocated summer 2009.Thanks for sharing
Warm Regards,
Wanda
Dr. Melissa:
I tend to accomplish the tasks that are most urgent right away. I have been programmed to be a firefighter. I think this comes from my previous career in acute health care in the 1990's. Now that I am aware of this, I plan to change my ways. I have to since I now realize that this is also key to accomplishing tasks and getting the best results. My stress level also depends on it.
Wanda
I definitely am guilty of doing the "fun" or easy tasks that I have on my list first and procrastinating the larger, harder more time consuming tasks. I think that a list will help greatly, it will help me see all the tasks that I have to accomplish and noting the ones that are most urgent or important will help me prioritize my tasks and help me get through them more quickly and efficiently.
It sounds like you are highly organized Joyce. This probably makes you effective at completing your tasks on time, but may make you feel a little rigid at times. Finding the right balance is key.
