I usually prioritize based on how long I have to get things done and when it is do. I have put of some things and then rushed to get them done. After doing this coures I will adust my order so it is more productive and less stressful.
Actually writing tasks down and prioritizing them periodically has really helped considerably. I always thought that I was doing a good job of managing my time but occasionally would miss a deadline or some task that was unimportant in the beginning but quickly became an urgent issue due to other items that I thought took precedence. Using this technique has not only helped keep me on track with the important tasks but clears up headspace for other matters.
I will definitely be taking a new look at how I prioritize the tasks I need to complete. I think what may be most difficult is trying to figure out how to prioritize tasks across multiple courses and fit in curriculum development.
I like to list my tasks in order of difficulty and urgency. I complete the ones that are most difficult and most urgent first.
Doing this actually energizes me and promotes feelings of confidence and of being in control.
I am always focused on being in control of my situation to include my students and the material I am teaching.
This approach works well for me. Further, I do not consider myself a procrastinator. Rather, I like to face all tasks head-on and complete them quickly. I do have the problem of periodically becoming fatigued and possibly taking on too much at once.
I hope this information is helpful.
Earnest J. Kendall, MSN, RN-BC
I tend to first do the easy tasks that I can accomplish quickly; and tend to procrastinate doing the harder tasks. Also tend to accomplish more quickly those things that relate to others' expectations--what someone else wants me to do for them. To improve, I clearly need to prioritize. Breaking down large tasks into manageable steps will help. Do what's most important/urgent; without letting others control my priorities.
I take care of tasks as they develop. If I have multiple tasks I prioritize and accomplish in order of priority.
Tom, The length of time it takes to complete tasks is definitely something to consider. However, there are other considerations as well, including task priority.
Dr. Melissa Read
Glenn, Sounds like you have a great approach. I am curious to hear about whether you ever struggle with immediacy issues. Sometimes, people who accomplish tasks right away have challenges with letting go and enjoying a little.
Dr. Melissa Read
Gregory, It sounds like you have a great handle on your current approach - strengths as well as opportunities. It also sounds like you know exactly what you need to do next to improve. Sounds like you are in a great place. Now it's time to make your new happen! To get there, you can start small and work your way up.
Dr. Melissa Read
Daniel, So true. When we get our tasks down on paper, we get them out of our minds. This can work wonders when it comes to making us feel less stressed and helping us remember to accomplish everything on our plates.
Dr. Melissa Read
Earnest, It sounds like you've got a great system in place for managing your tasks. I can understand what you mean about occasionally ending up with too many tasks on your plate. This happens a lot to people who are as organized as you, because others trust you to get the job done! While that's a compliment, it's ok to push back every now and then and take some time for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
I know that I am notorious for being a procrastinator. After going over the info in this module, I realize that I have to change that, not just for the school, but in other areas of my life as well.
I actually do prioritze rather well. I definitely suffer from task immediacy. I'm going to work on controlling my time better.
Ephraim, Sounds like a spot-on self assessment. We know ourselves best. It's interesting to hear that procrastination impacts work and personal life. Sometimes people find that it impacts only one or another.
Dr. Melissa Read
Courtney, I understand where you are coming from! Many successful people got where they are by being almost too on top of things. While it's important to acknowledge how great immediacy can be for our careers, it's also important to take a break every now and then too.
Dr. Melissa Read
I usually complete the easier tasks first, and then break down the larger assignments.
I sometimes feel that the list becomes a list of failures instead of accomplihments if there are more uncompleted tasks then completed ones.
I hope to change the order without feeling that I am creating a list of failures when they are not completed.
Yes based on what i have learned in this module about task prioritization,I will change the order in which I accomplish important and urgent tasks in the future. I truly thank you for this information.
I tend to prioritize. I make sure I do first things first. My only problem is that by the time I get to the end of the list, I sometimes am rushed. My solution for this is better time management.
