I like the idea, too. I'm going to try this and see how much faster it is to read my list.
I like to make lists, crossing off an item gives me a sense of completion and satisfaction. I do try to prioritize my lait on a regualr basis.
I this busy world it helps me to stay organized and get the important things done on schedule.
Lists are really great, especially wen you get the feeling of satisfaction knowing your are crossing things off and making progress.
I like to think about it, depending on the task either a few minutes or overnight. Then I start to work on it right away. "Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today" always rings in my head when I have things. Yes I will look at things a as far as prioritizing, but my mind set will still be the foundation with this modules ideas.
I tend to be a procrastinator. It seems to be associated with a moderate, but undiagnosed, tendency towards Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
When I start a project, whether it be important or not, I am psychologically obligated to finish it or it drives me absolutely nuts. Because of this, I tend to be very choosy about what I start and when.
When I commit to one project, it will overshadow all else until it is done - even if it causes other things to not get done at all. Doing things last minute, at first, tends to allow me to avoid this problem, but, in reality, just creates more stress.
I'll definitely be using some of the Task Prioritization skills presented in the online course. They'll help me to be less "clinical" (as pertains to diagnosis Vs. personality type).
I tend to complete urgent tasks right away. What I learned in the module is what I have already learned, and that is to prioritize. To put off an urgent and important task is to invite stress and negative consequences.
I too often make "to do" lists. I have one running my day constantly. I really liked your advice about re-doing them , and prioritizing them. Often I look at my list and feel overwhelmed. This section was very helpful to me. Thank you.
Mary, sometimes when we check our lists too frequently, it can start to feel overwhelming. Try checking in just once or twice a day if your list is stressing you out.
It sounds like you have a good system already in place Tracy. Yes, urgent tasks should be completed first if you want to avoid future stress.
Jesse, I like the way you are choosy about which projects you accept and when. Most instructors have a hard time pushing back on projects when they receive them. Setting expectations upstream can really pay off downstream.
I'm usually prretty good about prioritizing items, and I have always made lists. Sometimes, however, I do find myself jumping out of priority and completing a series of small tasks just for the sense of accomplishment in shrinking the list. I don't thinks I will change my approach just based on this course.
I tend to mull over my to do list. Then prioritize the tasks. But I do need to let go some of the immediacy that I feel in completing the to do list.
Yes, I will change alttle of my lists to balance my task completions.
Yes, I usually get overwhelmed when I think of all the tasks I need to get done. I often get that " I don't know where to begin" feeling. I do fall into the category of immdiacy which has led to fatigue and stress. The module has helped me realize that it is ok to put smaller tasks off for the future and trying to do it all at once isn't efficient. I am going to try to prioritize more and if the students don't get the test or homework back the next day, it's OK!:)
Yes, learning to accept that it's ok to put off non urgent tasks is a giant step in the right direction Tina.
I don’t think I need to change much; I reprioritize my list every day cross things off and move others around
I am a huge list maker but don't often prioritize my lists. I attack them in no particular order and generally get them all completed in the time allotted. I learned a lot in this program because now I think I will start making certain tasks a priority. I want to see if I can be more resourceful through the day with this idea. It makes sense that this will reduce stress because the most important tasks will be finished. With our busy lives, many people including myself don'l allow ourselves a " down" day where we do exactly what we want for ourselves, even if it is a reading a book. Maybe closer to retirement that will be one of my priorities!
Down days are great Peggy, even if retirement is a long way off. You will be surprised at how energized you feel after a down day, and how much more effective you are when you start working again.
I would say YES, it is as if I already knew this but it always helps to see it in writing. I found the biggest unknown is the amount of time students may take up during you class / office time. The best intention can be blow out of the water with a single visit from a student
I tend to prioritize already. I take care of things at hand that need attention. Others I will set aside until I am available to complete. I won't let anything go over for the next day.
Yes, there are some students who will require a great deal of our time during our office hours. At the beginning of each semester, it's hard to know which students will need us the most. But adding in a buffer to our schedules to account for these students can really help.
