I agree Bernie. I tend to get the fast, easy things out of the way first, then tackle the harder, more time consuming ones. I do use post-it notes for important upcoming dates that I need to remember. The ever increasing demands of our jobs does put more stress on us and any way we can decrease that stress is a plus. So prioritizing more efficiently will help me with some of that.
Bryan, Sounds like a plan. I am glad to hear that the techniques you learned about in this course may ultimately be applied to make your life a little easier. I should note that sometimes, just choosing one or two new approaches does the trick. We don't have to change everything. Making little tweaks to a foundation that already serves us relatively well can be a nice approach.
Dr. Melissa Read
Michael, Interesting perspective and thanks for sharing. Yes, some instructors have a real problem with getting side tracked. There are so many distractions in our professions, and the more tenured we become, the more they seem to grow. Staying focused on the big tasks is the right approach.
Dr. Melissa Read
Milton, I say go ahead and give this new organizational method a try. The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work for you. In trying it out thought, you could open up the possibilities for a much more efficient working style.
Dr. Melissa Read
Prioritization is most in my professional life based on the need to get the important stuff done first. After I get the big tasks done I can concentrate on the minor ones.
I find I tend to get side tracked easily as I get older and prioitizing task keeps me on the main track.
I tend to respond to tasks as they come. I complete simple tasks as soon as possible and plan for additional tasks that are more difficult tasks at a later time. I am considering organizing my schedule according to the desk example used in the lesson. Maybe organizing my tasks into three sections.
Im new to my job as an instructor so I'm having a hard time evaluating which tasks are urgent and which are not. How can I learn to prioritize my task?
With my job responsibilities I have deadlines that need to be met. I make a weekly list for each deadline & prioritize them with the most time consuming first. This way if I run into any problems, I have time to finish before the deadlines. The least time consuming can be done on the last day if necessary.
I tend to be fairly organized, if I have to suddenly take over a class I will spaz out for a bit. But pick up ok and finish the class with out too much stress. Last minute things have always tended to stress me a bit.
Already I have been able to take some of what I've read here and find ways to apply it to my day. I have to admit this area is at times, a major hang-up for me and causes additional stress. I do incorporate lists and I do try to prioritize those lists but rarely stay consistent with maintaining the process. Much of what drew me to this course was the need to learn better techniques for time management than what I am using right now. I feel that after incorporating these it will help to reduce my stress level. I will begin with changing the order in which I accomplish important and urgent tasks in the future, but in a more consistent manor.
I typically use some type of priority to my task list. Those items with a higher priority will get completed first. This list will get re-worked as needed to keep the list fresh and current with my present needs.
Alan, Sounds like you have a great process already in place for task prioritization. Great work! Yes, getting this accomplished sooner as opposed to later can really save us in the long term. It's so easy to get behind schedule. Getting ahead early can make all the difference.
Dr. Melissa Read
I have always chosen to prioritize tasks in order of importance. Getting tasks accomplished sooner than later keeps more organized and reduces stress. For example, with every syllabus, I make sure my weekly session outlines are clearly worked out. I assume everyone has some level of procrastination. I try my best to limit it as much as possible. This module about task prioritization solidifies my thinking in accomplishing important and urgent tasks in the future.
I have always chosen to prioritize tasks in order of importance. Getting tasks accomplished sooner than later keeps more organized and reduces stress. For example, with every syllabus, I make sure my weekly session outlines are clearly worked out. I assume everyone has some level of procrastination. I try my best to limit it as much as possible. This module about task prioritization solidifies my thinking in accomplishing important and urgent tasks in the future.
Jumana, Mental to do lists can work well when we are balancing only a few tasks. When we have more than 3 to 5 tasks however, they become limiting because we have to focus so much on remembering what's on them that it's hard to think about anything else. I recommend transitioning to a paper list when too many tasks come into your queue.
Dr. Melissa Read
John, Yes, flexibility is the key. Our lists should guide our activities high level, but we must also be open to change as new tasks and priorities come in.
Dr. Melissa Read
Heather, Some instructors find that making their list the night before works best. It's easier to rest when we know things are organized for the next morning. This is especially nice if you like to sleep in a little too.
Dr. Melissa Read
I do try to complete the most important task first, but procrastination is a factor. I will put off less important tasks and then shuffle in a hurry to complete. Prioritization is key!
it all depends on the task at hand.if it's something that can wait or needs immediate attention. these can change from day to day.
I do tend to procrastinate a bit. However, my purpose in delaying immediate start up on major projects is to allow myself time to mentally prepare my approach. I tend to work on it mentally, in the background as I line up how I will move forward. I do understand the importance of prioritizing one's tasks and I do this when preparing a to-do list.
