I keep my school and personal/at home tasks
separated. My school "to do" list I keep
readily available and keep that updated.
The personal lists sometimes is a casualty, how-
ever any urgent tasks I usually attend to
immediately. I usually haven't prioritized
my school tasks in great detail; the course is
reminding me that it might bode well to do
so in future. Sometimes available time &
resources are not readily at my disposal as
maybe I previously thought.
Me too Kimberly! It's wonderful to get ahead early in the day and get several tasks knocked out.
I start by making a general list of everything that I would like to finish for the week, breaking the list into daily accomplishments based on urgency and due dates. The lists are very informal and don’t take much time to write and I feel much more organized having them. Each day, I look at my list and work on accomplishing what I have marked as a priority. If I have any time left-over I go back to the general list to work on a lesser important task. This has always worked well for me and is very similar to what is suggested in this course.
I like to come in the morning early to accomplish all my tasks
Yes, in the case of nursing and the medical field, task prioritization does save lives. So it's really an essential for people in your industry Eva. Sounds like you have become effective at prioritizing the ABCs and other things that prolong life.
Sounds like you have already developed an excellent system Graham. I like how you include both personal and professional tasks on one list. It's nice to be able to see the full landscape of your responsibilities in one place. I also like the way you divide up these tasks into two places on your list. This can tell you if the tasks in one area of your life are taking too much time.
Excellent to hear Richard. It sounds like it might be time for you to reevaluate the tasks on your plate and identify the ones you need to complete first.
What I have learned in this module regarding tasks and their order of prioritization will benifit me in reexamining the importance which the tasks are evaluated. therefor adding time that is more productive.
I have found to do lists absolutely necessary for me to manage both my professional as well as personal life. I choose to keep my lists on one piece of paper separated by these areas of personal and professional. It not only helps me to organize my day as an instructor but gives me an overall perspective of my day in its entirety. This ultimately shows me days where I can re-focus more time on my personal life.
Learning how to triage and prioritize saves lives in all aspects of Nursing. ABC's is important to note i.e. Airway, Breathing and Circulation in order to do first things first and continue to promote health and prolong lives of individuals. In any area of one's homelife and worklife prioritization is pertinent. It's essential for survival.
I use a weekly organizer in which I write my "to do" list for each class day. I circle important events such as lab, quizes, and exams. I also printout a monthly calender to attach to the organizer which lets me organize important events before my class term starts. I take my organizer to class every day and it also helps me make appointments with my students and helps me to make announcements of important date to my class.
I tend to do the same. I make a list and have it in order but I have a hard time stopping if it's not all done.
Sounds frustrating Rachel. For some instructors, the work truly never ends. As one tasks ends the next begins. It can feel like there's no way to work your way out. I recommend setting reasonable goals for yourself each day. When goals are completed, go ahead and stop, take a step back and experience the sense of closure that crossing things off of your list can give.
I try to accomplish everything all at once. My "to do" list is never ending. I do try to prioritize but I also procrastinate. It's a never ending circle for me. I get things all in order, when I do something else pops up that messes up my plans. This module was helpful yes, I have tried to utilize the ideas here many times. I will start numbering though instead of writing must, should or could. Maybe a numbered visual will help me better in completion of tasks.
I use a legal pad to make up a weekly "to do" List. It's the only way I can stay on top of certain things. I like to "check" things off as they are accomplished.
Thanks for sharing Holly! Yes, children who grow up in environments that give them responsibility tend to have developed good organizational skills. Sounds like your childhood gave you lots of time to develop great time management skills. As an adult, it's probably easy for you to transfer those skills into other areas - like your work life.
Task prioritization is a very important to time management. It allows for more one on one personal teaching in the classroom.
Fortunately I was raised in a large family and learned at an early age to manage time well. I had to cook and clean a large house. My brothers (all older) didn't help. They were tasked with the outdoor chores. My mom and Dad worked outside the home so it fell to me to run the house. For the cleaning, laundry and cooking to be done BEFORE my mom came home I had to be able to manage my time well. I have been able to translate those skills to preparing for class lectures by making a list of what I need to accomplish that day, what can wait till the next day and what I need to do before next week. Since I am a new instructor, all of the classes are new to me and I have to make my materials from scratch. I have found that if I can stay one lesson ahead of my students I'm allright. Sometimes it is easier to do the easy tasks first because I can accomplish them quickly and then tackle the harder tasks that take more time. In this way I am able to complete everything in time for class and appear more prepared.
I usually complete tasks without procrastination. I have more difficulty with the obstacle of immediacy. Students email me at all hours expecting an immediate response.
Yes, list makers often fall into the trap of immediacy Sarrah. If we are naturally oriented toward staying on top of things, sometimes we swing too far in that direction. Keeping yourself in check starts with recognizing you may have a problem with immediacy and slowing down just a touch.
