I usually have a 'to do list' that I work from on a daily basis. This helps not only with better management of my time but also with the problem of 'forgetting' things (which I often do). My problem is that I often have several very important or urgent tasks that I'm working on simultaneously. In those instances it is hard for me to prioritize. I simply have to choose to complete those that have an earlier deadline over the others. Putting these major tasks off until a later time ends up causing me a lot of stress. If I need a break I'll take an hour or two for a relaxing activity and then come back to the task.
This is so true Scott. One of the best ways to relieve the stress of work piling up is actually jumping in and getting started on it. It can be nice to know at the end of the day that progress has been made toward your goal.
i will prioritize my tasks and update regulary.
That sounds tough Gregory. I know it's hard when you have your schedule mapped out and then a supervisor or fellow employee jumps into your queue. I might try setting expectations the next time that happens. Let your supervisor know that you'll be happy to get to their task but that other tasks will not be completed if you shift your focus.
This is a good approach Michael. While it's important to prioritize urgent tasks and take care of them, sometimes is is nice to knock out a few easy tasks before they pile up.
It's great to hear that you try to look ahead and that you have the time Jessica. So many instructors are so completely underwater with work that it's just too hard to be proactive.
I always make a list of the tasks and I try to do them asap. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I see progress! I may have a goal to get 1/2 of them done or whatever. But I always try to get something done .It just makes me feel better, ...relieves stress!
scott
It depends- some tasks, if they seem daunting or if I am not clear on how to solve the problem, I tend to put off for another time. Things I can accomplish quickly tend to get done first.
Since I am well aware of my own struggles with procrastination, I do try to look ahead to see what tasks might be looming on the horizon, but this is something that takes a bit of effort on my part!
i have found benifit to prioratize task from most ugent to least urgent and sometimes it is benifical to organize small task that can be completed to stay on top of the little thing that can pile up
I use a to-do-list and I prioritize the list, but the list is only as good as what you may get to if the boss's not list does cover up the list you made. you know what need to be completed in your class room with students and when students are gone and sometimes my list has to be set aside for days, hard sometimes to get anything done.
Sometimes we do find ourselves in situations where two tasks seem to be equally important Cynthia. In these situations, we've got to do a little extra research to understand the true priority.
Generally I have to remind myself to complete tasks in the order of priority, rather than placing the tasks that I know I can do quickly, at the top of the list.
Sometimes the high priority items take more time, but if one tackles them first, then they can have a clear head to complete other tasks.
It contributes greatly to my productivity if I know I don't have anything "hanging over my head"
I tend to do a good job at prioritizing tasks then completing them by the due date however, I note that I stress myself out by worrying about completing the task. From what I have learned within the module, I need to control my fear of not accomplishing the task by pacing myself better and continue to fulfill the most important (priority) tasks first. Question: what if there are two tasks due on the same day and are considered equally important? I realize you need to find factors that help you to establish the priority but there are cases where two tasks may carry the same weight.I guess it comes back to forcing myself to prioritize the two tasks in question and pace myself in order to accomplish both by the targeted time.
I procrastinate until under pressure. When push comes to shove I finally make a priority list and get my tasks done asap. The excuse I make for myself is that I work better under pressure. Having three children at home, which my wife and I home school, leaves little time for anything other than pressure. Sometimes I'll just save the easy tasks for relaxation time.
Weekly lists are great Joseph. I know it can be a challenge to keep on top of things, especially during the holiday season. It's easy to fall behind this time of year.
These are great questions to ask Don. Often times, we are not realistic with ourselves and others in terms of our prioritization. Sometimes its important to take a step back and reevaluate.
I can say after going through this ED110 I have change my mode of operation for the better. I now just look at my list that prioritize and get the task done vice reinventing the wheel each day.
It sounds like you've done a nice self assessment Brad. Next step - to your point- is putting together that calendar and those dates. Go ahead and give it a shot and see how it works for you.
This is a good point. Are we being realistic and honest when we prioritize? Are our expectations unreasonable or are they being clouded by other issues. In other words, is a priority 1 really a genuine priority 1 (due to deadlines, availability of information, etc.) or is another task a more legitimate priority 1.
Yes, this was a good eye opener. I often am guilty of task immediacy, accomplishing the easy or fun tasks first. This may make me feel good for the short-term, however I then realize that I have simply procrastinated and not tackled the most important task on my to-do list.
