I agree that going off the top of your head is not such a good idea. Having the visible list in front of you keeps you focused on your priorities. I don’t trust my memory!
Jon
I don't make actual to do lists on paper but I do prioritize in my head. I will try the list and see if it makes any differences
I usually take care of the most urgent task. It bothers me and I can't focus on the other things until the big ones are taken care of first. I also rate tasks by what needs to be taken care of immediately and what can wait.
Sounds like you have a perfect system Judy.
I tend to accomplish tasks right away; I try to complete difficult or otherwise unpleasant tasks as soon as possible. I then treat the accomplishment of simpler, less work-intensive tasks as a reward.
Based on what I've learned in this module, I'd have to say that I will spend more defining priorities for the tasks I must complete and will accomplish them in a logical order.
I am often a procrastinator, I know it is not productive, but it is a poor habit that I need eliminate.
I have identified the problem. I am working at it. And I do get a great reward of completion when I plow through the things that normally I would drag through.
Yes, and when you do reach task completion, the reinforcement you experience can be so rewarding that it can energize you to complete more tasks.
I usually look at my current "personal" obligations and associate them with my professional or "work" related obligations and manage my tasks accordingly. I always begin my day with reading student e-mail. Communication is at the top of my priority list and is easy to manage once I allocate a methodology for performing related tasks.
I do try and prioritize my tasks accordingly, then adjust them as required. Life events sometimes dictate other priorities. I consider a life event to be either personal to me or personal to a student in one of my classes. Either can change task priorities that I have set and in most cases require an adjustment to my current task list or time management plan.
I think that my current "task prioritization" methods are adequate and work well for me. Again as life events come about, I will make adjustments accordingly and adapt to my environment.
I vacillate between the procrasinator and the immedacy model. I have a to do list but I need to add the priority for each of the items.
I TRY to do the things that are really important as soon as I can. I do try to prioritize, but sometimes I do find myself doing the "easier" thing first...because it's easier!
I do find that certain "disagreeable" tasks, no matter the urgency, tend to become pushed further down my to-do list until I have no choice but to tackle them.
Is there any sensibility in pursuing a few tasks that are more enjoyable or easy (but less urgent) before tackling a difficult or unpleasant to-do list item? Anyone have thoughts on this, or am I just procrastinating/fooling myself with this "theory"? :)
Hello Dr. Read, and all,
I was very excited to see a training course on time management because it is a topic that I have always been a stickler about. After working through the module, I've found that I already practice "to-do list" prioritization and am very effective.
As far as completion is concerned, I find myself completing the easier tasks first because they act as motivators for me to work on the large projects (the proverbial "get the ball rolling" theory).
Molly Shields
Adjunct Faculty
Colorado Technical University
Very true about easy tasks Molly. They can be great confidence builders and make you feel like you are making great progress. Completing them first can help you stay motivated.
Yes, sometimes doing so can make us feel like we are making process. Also, it doesn't hurt to enjoy yourself every now and then. Pleasant tasks can give you a much needed break, reducing your stress and helping you recharge for difficult tasks in the future.
I think that I have a fine balance between accomplishing my tasks now and procrastinating. I tend to prioritize my to do list almost daily and address each important task first. When the list is done I will wait until the next day to address new coming tasks to the list unless it is an absolute emergency. This helps to restrain the temptation to react immediately to all tasks.
Based on what I have learned I have realized that I already have the formula down for successful time management. Thus, I don't need to change a thing.
It's great to hear that you are on the right track Anthony. Sometimes it's just nice to confirm that we are heading in the right direction.
I think I do pretty decent job juggling my time and my tasks, but I am always looking for ways to improve the way I do this.
I am a list-maker. I prefer to see what I need to do today and tomorrow and I add how much time I should spend on the task.
I have a habit of juggling the importance and priority of tasks in my mind, I have been pretty good at it. However, I have realized that I cannot maintain this practice, because I now have little one in my life and I need to develop a better, more formal plan of action when planning my time. additionally, a weekly activity, planning the week has been very effective so far.
Yes, we've got to become better at balancing tasks when little ones are involved. It makes their lives better and we can serve as good role models too.
Thanks Dr. Melissa. Knowing is half the battle.
