If it's one thing that I know I tend to do is try to accomplish completing the tasks that are most important or urgent immediately. However, what tends to happen is that because something has become important or urgent, something usually gets pushed down the list and that's something that I know I need to work on. It's not that those tasks are not at all important, it's that because they are not as urgent I think to myself "I can get to it later." That's not always the case.
I definitely choose to accomplish the most urgent/important tasks first. I personally feel that I struggle with the obstacle of immediacy. I tend to want to get things done, done, done, and this easily leads to stress and anxiety. I need to use a prioritized to-do list on a much more regular basis to help avoid this issue.
I always want to put off the tasks that I do not enjoy completing. This section made me realize that I need focus on the prioritization of these tasks. If it is a large task, I can break it down into smaller manageable chunks.
I usually wait until the last minute. I should make a "to do list" and prioritize tasks. That is something I will surely try to work on.
I admit, I do like to procrastinate sometimes. But on the whole, I try to get my tasks done with enough time to spare, so that if things change or I find I forgot sometime, then I'll have time to correct. I find that having my tasks on my phone calendar helps because it reminds me.
I tend to complete the tasks that are the most urgent first. However, I do find myself battling with the obstacle of immediacy. I try to get everything done in one setting. And while I know which project is the most important, the idea that I have several thingts to do can become overwhelming. I see how it contributes to stress in the workplace.
I accomplish the tasks as order of urgency first then when time permits, when I have time to focus, I then take care of the important tasks.
I have never used a "to do" list but the concept looks like it will help me stop procrastinating. Not only that, a list would help me remember those tasks that I have not yet completed and it would show which tasks I have finished (which is also a good thing).
I will change the order of the way I get my tasks done in future. I will make a list of tasks that need to be done and I will review it to ensure the priority level on a task has not changed. The lesson provided me with some helpful hints for the future. I never considered reprioritizing or marking a recurring task as recurring in order to cut down on the amount of anxiety long lists create.
Elizabeth, You are spot on! No one enjoys undesirable tasks, but fretting over them when they are incomplete is often even more undesirable. Chipping away at the tasks we don't enjoy can free out time and minds to focus on the more enjoyable things.
Dr. Melissa Read
Kizmit, Many of us battle the obstacle of immediacy. That's how we got where we are in life. In part, immediacy can be a good thing. However, it can also be a stress source as some of us never rest.
Dr. Melissa Read
Randy, It sounds like you have developed a healthy approach to task completion. Urgent tasks do take priority so it's good to face them head on.
Dr. Melissa Read
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
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.
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 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
The module offers great advice. Urgent tasks need to be completed and removed from your list to free up your time.
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
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
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
