Get Your Students Hired
Nicole, True, thought this is easier said than done. I find that a lot of instructors try to accomplish quick and easy tasks first as confidence builders.
Dr. Melissa Read
Charlene, It sounds like you have a great system in place and one that you can count on. That's wonderful to hear. Keep it up!!
Dr. Melissa Read
Russell, That sounds like a wonderful approach. Though it's hard to create lists, we can certainly prioritize the tasks we have in our heads and make smart choices about how to get things done day to day.
Dr. Melissa Read
I will certainly reevaluate the importance of each of my tasks so that I do not let certain tasks slip through my fingers, or run out of time to complete them. This can be a very difficult task, as I have a hard time creating 'to-do' lists.
I typically complete the easiest, least time consuming tasks on my list. I have learned from this module that is not always the best choice. I am going to attempt to change this in the future.
I sometimes think everything can all be completed when in reality I know there is always more to do. I am actually considered to be the most organized instructor in the department. Sometimes I target projects that can be easily completed and other times I will target the due dates. I was in ADN, BSN, and MSN nursing school programs while working full-time, so I have almost perfected the art of prioritization.
You start by looking at what needs to be completed, when they need completed, work required to complete, and resourses needed to complete. Take a deep breath, relax, and know it does not have to all be completed today, however it should be started today.
By taking the I will do the best I can and not the it must be perfect attitude, the stress is relieved and the project comes together quicker and remains at the high standard you set.
I am a huge "management person" with my time. A "to do" list is what I do a lot, especially in my planner and I do check off the things that I have accomplished that day. I try and update it as much as I can, which is usually daily.
Prioritizing is definitely a part of the foundation of time management. It enables me to keep control in an adult learning environment
I used to put tasks off for another time, but then I would find myself swamped with more work! I now prioritize the important tasks and get those done when I know I have a good chunk of time to complete them.
I usually accomplish urgent tasks first, being mindful of the other important tasks on my list. Since I keeps lists myself, I may modify the order in which I accomplish important and urgent tasks in the future.
I am thinking that after this module I will give myself permission to procrastinate--some. I have been stuck in the guilt of being a procrastinator and not allowing myself to have (and appreciate) this very common human 'condition'.
By relaxing a bit with myself maybe I can push through completing some of the irksome tasks that I have put off. In other words, I will assign different tasks different priorities without the accompanying guilt!
Heidi, It sounds like you have a healthy approach to getting things done. I should note that no one is perfect and most of us procrastinate a little every now and then!
Dr. Melissa Read
Ann, I am glad to hear that you found some if this course content helpful. Yes, recurring tasks on the calendar can save a lot of list writing time and can help you remember things small and large. Just remembering to take your vitamins in the morning can be a challenge for some people and I know some people who have calendar reminders for little things like that!
Dr. Melissa Read
Jerri, That sounds like the right approach. I completely know where you are coming from regarding the daunting tasks you have in your life. Often times, the more daunting a task is, the more likely we are to try to avoid that task. Breaking large tasks into smaller chunks really can make all the difference. It makes the large tasks so much more palatable.
Dr. Melissa Read
The module offers great advice. Urgent tasks need to be completed and removed from your list to free up your time.
I am the worst, I procrastinate very badly when it is a task I am not looking foward to, I have always been this way, i always make to do list and do the easy stuff, sometimes i might even write in task I have already done in the day, just to feel like i have done more!! I am going to try to break the big task down into smaller task and the to number them in the order of their importance
I am the worst!!! if it is a task I dread I wait until the absolute last minute to complete, even though I know better, i have been like this for as long as I can remember, it is a habit I am not sure if I can break. But, I am going to try numbering the "to do list". i always make "to do list", but I usually do the east task first, i am going to try doing the more difficult stuff too.
I actually know how to prioritize. I would put them down on paper and...that's it. My bigger problem is motivation. I always ask myself, "You know what to do and how to do it, but whey aren't you doing it yet?" My excuse has always been that I do things best when I cram just like any other last-minute person. I do things better when I have that "ugh!" feeling in my stomach, and I want this to change.
Chris, It's amazing that you've gotten this far without list making and I'm glad you see the benefits. Yes, one of the many advantages of list making is our ability to see the progress we've made. Some people save their completely lists and review them occasionally, just for a sense of accomplishment.
Dr. Melissa Read