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I really think the list of tasks will help to manage our time in a better way, problably with updates every week ,in my case I would start with those with more time demands, subdividing them into smaller ones, it will make it easier for me.
I tend to do things as quickly as possible. I have a tight schedule so I am always making lists and updating throughout the day.
Prioritization is usually not a problem for me. I prefer to get things done now and relax later.
Stephen Covey put it best I think.... "The key is in not spending time, but in investing in it." I have invested much money and "time" into finding the best way to manage my time. I believe that the old fashioned daytimer/weekly calendar works best for me. There are spaces for all of my appointments, classes, department head meetings, interviews, and great little note sections at the bottom of each page where I keep my "to do" list. What isn't acccomplished on that particular day or week is simply moved to the next week. I write the "urgent tasks" in red pen and the "not so urgent" tasks in pencil so I can easily push them forward if I have to. It's a system that works for me fabulously!
David, Sounds like a nice approach moving forward. Yes, assessing consequences of not performing tasks is often a great way of figuring out priorities. This process helps gives us the clarity we need to decide what to focus on first.
Dr. Melissa Read
Since I already produce "to do" lists, I will incorporate the new information by separating the list into sections based on priority. This is something that I have struggled with historically.
I have really tried to prioritize my tasks more by having a whiteboard hung in my office and writing a "to do" list where my supervisor and coworkers can see it. While there are occasional things that I can not put on the board, most tasks are just fine for anyone to see. It helps me stay on task and lets my supervisor know what I'm currently working on. It also helps because when others that I work with have immediacy issues, it can interfere with my prioritization. Having people see my list helps, but I'm always looking for other ideas to combat problems of immediacy being placed on me by others.
Yes I will. I will pay more attention to the priority of the tasks and the consequences if they are not accomplished. I will care more about the tasks that will make my life easier and less stressful and not worry so much about pleasing others.
I learned that the consequences is a good indicator of the priority of tasks. Sometimes my to-do lists become rather long and extensive and prioritizing becomes tedious. I think in the futer I will break down my lists into smaller lists and prioritize the lists.
Jonathan, This sounds like a highly organized and regimented approach. It also sounds like it could work well. Once challenge you might face is the time that you'd need to invest in order to make it happen. You might consider being a little less regimented in order to get over any obstacles relating to the time commitment.
Dr. Melissa Read
Bethanne, Thanks for sharing your story. Yes, it sounds like you have come a long way. Too bad you didn't come to know these things about yourself before but it sure is nice to hear you know them now. Now it's time to help others. Take a look around and see if there is anyone around you who was once like you. Reach out to them and offer support where it makes sense and where you think people will be receptive.
Dr. Melissa Read
Olaolu, Excellent to hear. Yes, if you've served in the military, it is likely that you have received great training in the area of organization.
Dr. Melissa Read
Kate, That sounds like a great approach. Many instructors cannot get motivated to complete the most important tasks first. This does lead to extra stress as they worry about priorities that have still not been accomplished. You are lucky enough to have the discipline to take your approach.
Dr. Melissa Read
In the past, I have always been identified (and admitted)as being a procrastinator. I can remember the earliest realization of this in grade school when I would be given a report assignment (which seemed like a huge accomplishment to have to tackle) and putting it off until the night before it was due. I can remember my parents introducing me to the word "procrastination." I am a worrier by nature and admittedly know that procrastinating makes me literally sick (from worry). It wasn't until the past 5-10 yrs that I have finally come to the realization that I have control of this, it is not healthy, and most importantly, how liberating it feels to not do that to myself! I love this lesson/topic! Most of what I have read so far, I have learned (finally) prior to this lesson. It is kind of like a validation of my discovery. I do write lists, I get great satisfaction from crossing things off the list, but more importantly, the feeling of task completed and off my plate is indescribable. I wish it wouldn't have taken me so long to come to this realization. Now I hear comments about me that say, "You are organized, reliable, timely, etc." I still have things to work on (efficiency), but I've come a long way! I have a list of some sort on me almost all the time. I did learn some additional tactics in this lesson, like to rewrite lists (as opposed to carrying 10 lists). This lesson has been the one that most relates to me personally. I'm glad I chose it!
I have the tendency to complete a task right away. I also have a problems with receiving the feedback right away too. I am learning how to use the model urgent/non urgent and important/non important tasks. Sometimes I am successful sometimes not.
I like to get the important tasks done with and out of the way! This way any additional tasks will seems easy in comparison. I have not changed my task prioritization....the most important tasks should be completed first.
the short answer is Yes. I find I get bogged down on tasks that are right in front of me, instead of the tasks that need to be done. And then I don't get to the tasks that were a higher priority.
I usually accomplish those most important and urgent in a timely manner. It is the those that are less urgent that I tend to procrastinate on; then, all of a sudden, they have "moved up the list" and I have to rush to finish those! I think I need to get in the habit of reprioritizing more often.
i have already learnt a lot about prioritization when i joined the military couple of years back and it has helped me a lot when i started teaching.
I tend to procrastinate on priority tasks, especially if their due dates are not near. When the due date gets alarmingly close, then they become URGENT, and my stress level goes up. Until this module, I had forgotten about prioritizing the tasks (A,B,C, etc.) so that I am always working on the highest priority first, of the remaining tasks. I see how I get into these stressful situations.
Robert, Interesting challenge and one that many instructors face. Some keep their home lives very organized but their personal lives are a mess. Others are just the opposite. This shows us that we are not always consistent in our approach to time and task management.
Dr. Melissa Read