Get Your Students Hired
Jacqueline, This is a hard lesson for many of us to learn. Many instructors got where we are because we have always been on top of things. This approach often makes us successful, but can limit our ability to relax and recharge. These things are often needed to ensure our future productivity.
Dr. Melissa Read
Anita, Sounds like the right approach. Sometimes, a task that is not important to you is critically important to someone else. So it's important to think carefully about who your task prioritization decisions will impact.
Dr. Melissa Read
I usually want to get things dine immediatley. I see now that I mneed to take control of my tasks and reprioitize. Not everything needs to be done now.
I tend to put off tasks if I think they are unimportant. I am choosing to change my attitude about this and just get the task done. Afterwards I discover how important it was.
Kenneth, Yes, updating your list is key. It doesn't have to be constant, but enough so that it's current and reflects your true tasks and priorities.
Dr. Melissa Read
I learned a long time ago to make to-do list and to not procrastinate. I do think I will change the way I assign urgency to tasks. I let other's needs define this much more than my own needs.
I feel everyone should manage their time better. If a "to do" list will help then i say lets do it. But make sure that the list is constantly being updated.
Yes.... I actually will try to change my priority as far as what I consider urgent. I do tend to do the quickest and the most fun tasks first....
I will try not to consume all my time by constantly making revisions. I will keep that in mind. Thanks for the suggestion and your input.
I usually complete tasks right away that are pressing but will procrastinate the other tasks. I think the modules will help to reevaluate the priority I place on things and seeing the "to do list" in possibly much small increments that will not be as overwhelming. As instructors we have so many things on our plates that demand our time (work, family, and leisure time). I find that I put off the other important things to me to accomplish things that could probably wait sometimes.
Jennifer, Setting limits is so important so I'm glad you mentioned this here! Yes, when we overwork ourselves, we often find that the quality of our work is diminished. Getting proper rest and breaks we need can keep us focused and productive!
Dr. Melissa Read
Brandi, It sounds like you know yourself really well and where you are coming from. It also sounds like you have developed some good time management systems that directly fit with your organizational style and needs. This is all great to hear. Yes, many instructors struggle with the obstacle of insecurity. Too many revisions can be time consuming though, so try to be confident about your direction and keep your plan simple.
Dr. Melissa Read
Nekisha, Sounds like you have the right strategy. For long tasks, sometimes it's best to break them up into smaller pieces. This makes them a little less daunting.
Dr. Melissa Read
Paula, Excellent. Many instructors who take this course already have great direction when it comes to time management. Getting the reinforcement you need from time to time can help keep you on track.
Dr. Melissa Read
Completion of immediate tasks brings about a sense of accomplishment and allows those to whom we report to see that commitment is present.
Historically, I have learned that completion of most urgent tasks, as long as intent to content is granted, facilitates resource usage. The course has reinforced this methodology.
Art, It sounds like you have a good handle on your priorities. That's a great place to be. To your point, when you know the priorities, it's easy to decide what to focus on and when.
Dr. Melissa Read
I normally would put a task off only if it is a long task. i learned to write my task out and organize it well.
I am a procrastinator by nature. I have begun to try to be more efficient in prioritizing tasks, however.