Get Your Students Hired
I am definitely in "control" at all times when it comes to organization and/or completing tasks. If something of high importance needs to be done, I will take care of that immediatley. If I know something can wait until the next day, I set it aside, but not directly on my desk. I need to be able to walk in the next morning and see a clear desk! I also am not the type to write my priorities down. That is somewhat unusal for some instructors, but my mind works better with a mental list. I will although, try other techniques in the future should my comfortable ways tend to stray.
Willy, So great to hear. Sometimes, we discover great solutions for time and stress management on our own. When something genuinely is the best way of doing things, it can quickly emerge as a natural solution.
Dr. Melissa Read
I've learned that Idon't have to accomplish every thing at once. Also, why I put things off and don't pioritize certian tasks.
It is interesting that I have personally used some of these techniques myself without ever learning them or reading them in this module. I have always used "to do lists" in my daily life to help me stay focused on the things I needed to accomplish, always prioritizing importance and urgency.
Jay, Sounds like you are really on top of things. This is great to hear. Some people thrive on immediacy and really love the results they drive. If it's not stressing you out to live this way, continue by all means.
Dr. Melissa Read
Sandy, Sometimes the best approach is to attack the most difficult tasks first, and to really face them head on. Otherwise, they can haunt you as you try to complete other tasks -- making work life tough.
Dr. Melissa Read
I do try to complete tasks that are most important and urgent. However, sometimes I do tend to put them off until another time. I am definitely trying to change this behavior.
I am a procrastinator. I tend to work better under pressure. I have always been like that. I am currently trying to change.
I think my system works fine for me. After reading this I believe that I would fall into the category of immediacy but I enjoy my pace and it does not stress me out if I have to put something off until the next day.
I find that the tasks I don't like to do I tend to want to put off and the ones I enjoy I have no problem getting them done. Then I discovered that I feel better when I do what needs to get done in a timely fashion so I have gotten better about doing them. This class will help me in getting the job done.
Jacqueline, It sounds like you have your priorities straight! Many people work so hard that they are not able to devote weekend time to family. It's wonderful to hear you are able to balance at all and enjoy the most important things in life.
Dr. Melissa Read
Jeanette, It sounds like you lean a little more toward the side of immediacy when compared to procrastination. Most of the time, this is probably a positive force in your life - though i know this can feel stressful too. Yes, it's important to remain flexible once you've written out a list, understanding that sometimes priorities must change.
Dr. Melissa Read
I do like to procrastinate, but I feel like sometimes you could accomplish multiple things at one time. For example, when completing a lecture, you may need a break, this is a good time to make copies or reply to an email. It's still being productive but gives you the break you need.
I consider myself to be a very efficient task priortizer. I am extremely busy, no busier than everyone else I am sure. I make my lists according to what needs my attention immediately for that day. It may change the next day, but usually it stays the same. My priorites change according to the day of the week. On the weekends my priorities are my family.
As a rule, I try and complete important tasks as soon as possible.
I can't stand to have an unfinished task hanging over my head. It is important to me to get it done and move on. This is the instructor me.
However, in my personal life I am very much a procrastinator. I plan to use the tools from this course to help make changes in my personal task lists.
In truth, despite being a type A personality in most areas, I do often procrastinate. In even greater candor, this current task must be completed by midnight tonight, and I am finally attacking it. At work, I'm all hustle and focus. Once home, I am all focus on the family. Each place has its priorities, and it seems I have a switch that turns one off, making me oblivious, and turns the other on. Currently, I am working on work responsibilities on home time, but only because a last minute nagging awareness of a procrastinated responsibility bubbled to the surface. At work, I've made planning, student contacts, and grading a priority. Staff development was a low priority. Having my other ducks in a row, I'm now on this this. In truth, lists help, but I make them in desperation. Reminding my spouse to stay after me about lower level priorities helps a lot more. This time, I procrastinated in telling her about this Max Knowledge course.
I make a list of things that are most urgent. I begin with these tasks first, however if I am made aware of a new task that can be accomplished quickly, I will go ahead and complete that task. I can't bear to have tasks stack up.
I currently am a full-time program director, teach part-time at another school, have a third Job, am a single mother of an 8 year old, and am working on my Phd (currently have a 3.89 gpa). I like to think I am a pro at time management but I have learned that I have issues with the obstacle of immediacy. I hate to not get everything accomplished in one day. I have difficulty letting things sit until the next day even when they are not urgent.
Jeanne, It sounds like you have learned to prioritize function over form. This can be a difficult lesson. Often times, instructors want to make their lists look great. They feel this keeps them organized. The truth is, it's not about how they look but much more about how they are working for us. Sounds like you understand that well!
Dr. Melissa Read