Interesting point James. Your list might actually be quite valuable to other instructors who are new to teaching your course topics.
Task management could be on of the hardest to keep up with. Professionally and having a family makes it hard becuse the tasks keep changing
I often find that getting everything done in the day can be a monumental task. I also realize that there is nothing so important that if needed, it can not be moved to tomorrow's "to-do" list.
Indeed, most tasks can be rescheduled. They key is to keep communication lines open and reset expectations when necessary.
It seems I tend to put tasks asside for another time. I plan to accomplish my tasks based on there priority in a timely matter to further avoid future complications.
Procrastination can be a big challenge to time management. But getting tasks done early can actually you feel better than the way you feel when you delay task completion and are behind schedule.
To do lists are the only way i can get anything done or i just run around trying to do everything at once and acomplish nothing. and then i get frustrated and stressed out because i seem to be getting nowhere.
I am a procastator and I have problems getting thng done, a to-do list mignt be the answer. I am making up one now witch I will try to follow, braking old habits is hard to do but the To-Do list sounds like it is the key I need.
Old habits do die hard. But creating some new good ones, and sticking to them, can take you far.
I have always had difficulties in writing a list. I keep most things in my head, and jot down items of urgency. This has been effective through out my life. I know that list making helps when I have multiple projects and deadlines.
I do tend to put off things that take up more time and do the easy tasks 1st. I think now what I will do is make a list of items that take more time and prioratize them in the order of urgency.
HAVE A TO DO LIST, AND ALWAYS EXPECT SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENING FOR MY DAY IN A POSITIVE WAY
Great point Mau. In our ‘to do’ list planning, we should always allow for high priority tasks that may pop up unexpectedly.
I am one who has learned to prioritize. I still have to restrain myself from attempting to do everything as soon as I get it. Even though some things might take very little time to get them done and out of the way, I have learned to put them in order of priority as they take time away from a project that is more important to complete first.
I definitely promote all of these methods of time management with my students. I often find myself making lists, be it daily to-do-lists or more mid and long term lists.
Prioritization is never a problem, although I tend to sacrifice my personal time, even though I know it is important to make time for myself.
While I feel that I promote these elements and understand the importance, I find it hard to overcome immediacy issues which then manifests into procrastination . . . funny, I know that seems like a paradox.
I feel that I am doing a rather good job in this department. I am a "list person" and always take care of the most immediate tasks first. Basically I work on a first and second tier system...it seems to work well for me, although I do feel at times that the list is never ending!
Unfortunately, I tend to put off most important tasks until a later time.; moreso in my personal rather than work life. I think that I should begin prioritizing tasks, period! Urgency and important-- thanks, I think I've got the idea! I am not in the habit of listing, only when I'm going on vacation. I think this will help me greatly; especially on a personal level.
Hi Maureen,
I have had a lot of success with the lists and would be available to help you, if you would like. It helps to take off un-necessary pressuer! Let me know
Adam,
Well said! I certainly agree and also feel that it can become an endless cycle. With our "open faculty office" policy we are often approached by students needing immediate assistance while trying to complete priority tasks. This is tricky as we all want to be available to our students but also have deadlines!What are your thoughts on this? Thanks.
Andrea
This is such a difficult challenge Andrea. I have watched fellow faculty members deal with the open door policy in a number of ways. Some come in a little later and leave a little earlier to get priority work done at home. Others reserve conference room space when they want quiet time because they can close those doors. Still others crack their doors so that they are open but so they send the signal that they are busy.
Work related tasks often end up getting prioritized before personal tasks and this can present problems. I recommend listing both work and personal tasks on the same list. This gives us a holistic view of everything we have to accomplish.
