Andrea, I know it can be hard to get started - especially when you know what you need to do but haven't yet done it. I recommend starting small. Just try keeping a simple to do list for one aspect of life (work, personal) and work off of it, even in the slow season. This way, you'll practice a good habit that will be with you when you really need it.
That sounds like a nice way to balance things Joseph. Both urgency and time to task completion are key variables to consider when making prioritization decisions. Now, if you could only stick to that list!
Wow, it sounds like you have time management down to a science Tami. I hope you are scheduling in a little relaxation time.
I usually try to complete my assignments based on deadlines. I find it harder to get things done ahead of time since I am constantly meeting deadlines. I will try to focus more on prioritizing things better in the future.
Mary,
I have this problem as well at times. I write down what I need to do but I fail to get them covered at times. Other things get in the way. I'm trying to focus on my tasks first now before I handle anything else. It appears to be helping.
Excellent work Adrienne! I hope you are scheduling in some rest for yourself every now and then.
I often work on the tasks that have the nearest deadline first -- though in some cases, as with critical draft responses that the students need in order to revise their final essays, I assign higher priority to tasks that have great learning value and responses with more (and longer) educational content. I'll continue to work on getting minor tasks done quickly, too -- sometimes it seems they accrue without my even noticing!
This is a thought provoking question. The simple answer for me is "sometimes". I am usually very good about prioritizing tasks. I ususally place tasks in order they need to be completed. However, there are times with family, work, home projects, emergencies, etc that sometimes just get in the way. I also think that the holidays also sometimes effect these priorties as well. In summary the bottom line is for me "discipline". As long as I stick to my task list and deadlines, I usually stay on task.
Melissa, I agree with you that we often perform the less important and/or urgent tasks before attacking the crucial ones. This must be human nature because it describes us so well. Ultimately, it must be a self-defense mechanism, a sort of cognitive dissonance, if you will.
My most productive years were spent with lists and priorities. My least productive years were spent without them.
Your module reminds me of what I already know but often chose to ignore (as do many of us in academia). Thank you for this very important reminder.
Before this module I made limited lists -- especially on our busiest days. Now I will make it a stronger part of my routine.
I do sometimes make a list of tasks to complete, and sometimes even prioritize them. What I need to do is be more consistent in creating, maintaining, and following my task lists.
One thing I got out of the module is the idea to denote level of priority in task lists, which I've never done, and will start to do.
Marc,
I think it is important to sometimes take a smaller task that may not be a major priority and do it because like you mentioned sometimes we need that little push to get us off and running.
James Libell
I generally have a to do list of tasks. I make a list to not forget what needs to be done-the list is ongoing. My days run on a schedule which I have in my head and on the calendar. In regards to this module I will put more thought into what I say yes to!
I have been a fan of "to-do" lists for a long time and I really feel a sense of accomplishment when I am able to cross off a task. For instancem completing this course is on my "to-do" list before I leave for a short holiday break. I am looking forward to being about to cross this off as complete.
I have a tendency to do the really important things---and the things I least ike to do, pretty quickly so that I don't have them hanging over my head. If anything, I tend to learn towards immediacy---and at times that can be really stressful. I do at times beat myself up if I don't get everything done I have on my list for a certain day. So---I need to work on being comfortable with the idea that I don't have to do it all at once!
I think I have become better at prioritizing my tasks for each day. In the future, I need to work on making sure I stick to the task I am currently working on rather than jumping around between a number of different tasks. I believe that jumping between multiple uncompleted tasks actually makes me less efficient in getting the entire task completed. I definitely need to work on the obstacle of immediacy; I have a hard time leaving something to be accomplished the next day. In the future, I will leave the non urgent issues to be completed for the following day.
I am typically on target with completing prioritization. However at times I can over commit myself and may need to adjust my timeline as time progress.
Felicia
When it comes to task prioritization I tend to will look at the most urgent tasks and usually do the one(s) that are less time consuming or that I enjoy more first. The urgent tasks that I like less usually get put off longer. After going through this module I believe I need to start breaking these down more in order to get started sooner and may lessen my reluctance.
Yes Joseph, consistency tends to be key in time and stress management. And identifying level of priority really can make task lists feel more under control.
Discipline is indeed an important ingredient Blair. This is especially true during the holiday season as we deviate from our routines.
Yes, it's sometimes hard to get tasks completed when we dislike doing them. Breaking them down is a good way to go Megan. Also, sometimes delegating the parts of tasks we don't like can help too, where possible. Some people love the tasks we hate.
This sounds like a great plan Brad. You might try combining your personal to do list with your professional one. That way, you can see everything all in one place and strike more of a balance between both types of tasks.
