Get Your Students Hired
Before this module I would try to prioritize my tasks in how long they would take to complete. If they were easy to complete and I could get them finished, they would be done because it gave me a senesce of accomplishment, the issue was there was no focus on the importance of the task and when it had to be completed. I would be become very overwhelmed and sometimes shut down. This approach is better and will reduce the fatigue issue.
Amanda, It's nice to hear that some of the course content resonated so well with you. Yes, many instructors find themselves in a similar situation. It's tempting just to complete the small tasks first, never moving to the larger tasks. For these types of people, I recommend breaking large and daunting tasks into smaller, bite-sized pieces. You can represent the bite-sized tasks on your to-do lists, instead of the larger ones. This might drive you to actually completing them.
Dr. Melissa Read
Liz, A lot of people struggle with immediacy. It's pretty common. On one hand, it keeps us on top of things. On the other, it can make it a challenge to enjoy life. Every once in a while, it's ok to take a break and do something for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
I'd have to say that I am the type that likes to get things done right away if needed. Usually getting it done before the deadline. It keeps me in control and on track. If I do wait and put it off for later, then stress settles in and I can't work efficiently. My motto is "just do it - now!"
As I was reading through this module I couldn't help but laugh to myself. I am very good about making To Do lists for myself. However, I am guilty of tackling the easiest and smallest tasks first because I want to cross them off. Crossing a task off my list makes me feel like I am in control of my life and my time. I am going to make an effort to start prioritizing my To Do list, and see if it will not only help my time management but also my procrastination.
Unfortunately I suffer from "immediacy". I feel really bad if I don't do tasks eight away even if that means to work longer hours. Based on what I have learned in this module I will create a "to do list" and I will prioritize my tasks to work in the important and urgent tasks first.
This module gave me food for thought. I think I suffer from everything listed! I sometimes procrastinate, sometimes I get stressed out becasue I want to do everything immediately. I also find myself overwhelmed at how messy my desk is. I am going to definitely prioritze and make to do lists.
I will try changing my priorities, well, at least give it a try. I have always rushed through the things I considered "easy" to handle so I could save up time and energy to devote to the "more difficult" issues or tasks. I like seeing the number of tasks decrease as it tends to decrease my anxiety. But, let's see how it works to take the "biggies" off the list first.
R. Maurice, Interesting approach. Some instructors like to keep their lists for Work and Life separate because they keep these worlds separate. Others like to combine them so they can view the priorities across the board. Ultimately, you've got to do what works best for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
Absolutely. I always tend to do the easy things on my list first, then I'm working like a crazy person to get the difficult tasks done. I think sometimes, it is out of fear, of not being able to do the task. In the end I always get it accomplished. I am going to try very hard to turn that around.
Roberta, Yes, there are some tasks that are so pressing that we cannot wait to assess them on our To Do lists. This is ok, as long as these are the exceptions and not the rules. Otherwise, we might find ourselves struggling with immediacy issues.
Dr. Melissa Read
Mindy, Our motivation for completing tasks can vary daily, even hourly, so you are not as unusual as you think! Trying to bring the right level of motivation when it really counts is the key. When we've got a lot of deadlines or tasks to complete, that's when we've got to bring our A games. In other times, it's ok to be a little more relaxed in our approach.
Dr. Melissa Read
I usually do what must be done first that way it is completed, but I tend to put off the things I do not like to do. I need to learn to go ahead and just get them done so I do not have to dread them.
It is important to do the most important task first and to prioritize what we have to do.
Taking your to do list and prioritizing is important. However it needs to be addressed and the most pressing to do needs to be done asap. No matter what is happening, I find I need to take action on it right then and there.
I am very bad about putting things off until the last minute. Then I have to work really hard and under stress even though I am always able to get the job done. I am going to start working on a to do list I think it will help reduce my stress level. Yes I will change the order of my important and urgent tasks in the future.
I have had a tendency to procrastinate in the past. I have found out recently that making an agenda does help keep me on task, and I get things done in a timely manner.
I use a "to-do-list" in my personal life, but not for my professional life. After reading this module, I can see where it might be helpful to have one, for time management, when teaching. I tend to put tasks off, but complete them in the required time. Prioritizing the urgent and important tasks would help me to be more efficient and get more done. I like colors, so will highlight the important and urgent tasks and see how that works. Definitely lots to think about in this module.
Overall, I believe my task priorities change daily. Sometimes I have to be in total control and other days, my task list changes making me procraustant on important tasks. Not sure what that says about me?
There will probably be a change in the "to do" list -- separate ones for home and for work. When teaching and doing administrative work it is all about the job. At home, leave the work at the office. Thus, I'll have separate lists for these locations with keeping in mind that time spent in one location or another may have to flex depending on specific needs.
When one is at work, that needs to be the concentration and vice versa at home. In each case, however, there will be priorities for each location.