Actually, I am an individual who will make a list of important tasks and then prioritize them in the order best to complete each one. I will put off for another time, those that I deem not as important; depending on the number of tasks that I have.
However, the module speaks to the importance of realizing that the importance of specific tasks on your "to do list" will change over time. The order of the task will change; meaning that the non-urgent tasks will at times become more urgent; and the more important tasks may at times become less important.
It states that, because of this it is important to go through your "to do list" periodically and rewrite it at regular time intervals. They recommend that you pick (1) day/week and rewrite the list on that specific day. Once the list has been rewritten, you can re-prioritize your tasks.
By making this list and establishing your priorities, you will gain a sense of security and I think accomplishment from simply knowing exactly which tasks need to be completed and how soon they need to be done. Consequently, you will also feel a sense of achievement as your list changes over time; and probably become more organized and defined.
I tend to not want to get started on large tasks. But my sister has a great saying; "If you have to eat a frog, do it first thing in the morning. If you have to eat two frogs, eat the biggest one first!" So when there is something I don't particularly want to do, I always say, I'm eatting frogs, it's a more humorous way to get the projects started that you aren't particularly thrilled about. And you don't obsess about it the rest of the day, it's done and you can go on to other things.
I need to remember that it doesn't all have to be done today. I tend to overwhelm myself with things that need to be done.
To Do lists are a part of my life, and prioritizing tasks helps me see what I am supposed to be doing for a better result at the end. At times, I get redirected, and succumb to immediacy. Now I know that this is an unproductive way to handle work tasks. Occasionally, we must do things immediately, but not the majority of work tasks. Another issue that has come up is procrastination. I was in school all of my life, and finally earned my Ph.D. Now, I feel as if I have done "it" and that I can procrastinate because I have earned it. Unfortunately, this is lousy thinking, and it will not help to get things done. I must get this idea of procrastination out of my life again, because I never had time to procrastinate before when I was earning my degrees.
Barbara
I believe the most important category for prioritizing is dated obligations. In one class I teach, there is a chapter dedicated to time management and the first step to managing time is prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. This is the main point I drive home to my students, however, I just looked at my calendar and noticed I let the ten day grace period for my CD expire and now I am stuck with a low interest rate for another year. I must learn to practice what I preach.
Yes, it is often a challenge to decide which task is more of a priority. Sometimes I ask myself what would happen if I decided not to complete each task. Sometimes this helps me figure out which one to focus on if there are many to choose from!
I always try to accomplish the most important task first and foremost. Evryday taks of immportance woul include feeding my husband and three children, bathing myself and them, and providing clean laundry for my family to ware eachday. equally important tasks include paying the morgage bill and electricity payment, yet these tacks come with a due date and i can wait until the due date to turn them in. I am a natural procrastinator. I love to put thigs off til the day or time is needed.But, I feel that I do get things done in a timely manner and to the best of my ability!
I don't think I'll change the way I prioritize my tasks. I do think I'll change the way I look at the rewards of prioritization. Setting and reaching realistic and challenging goals in a timely manner is a great way to increase job satisfaction.
this is a real problem, "deciding which is mor urgent".
Thanks for sharing Linda. This is actually a common problem among instructors. For some instructors, the more time they have, the more time they waste. For some, it's actually easier to complete a task if there is a looming deadline.
The tasks that are most important or urgent are the ones that I do complete first. My biggest problem is not doing what is urgent or important first it is that I am a huge procrastinator. When it comes to doing the work I get it done on time but I would get it done with a lot less stress if I did't procratinate. I am hoping that what I have learned here will help to prioritze better and not be as much of a procrastinator.
Tasks that are important or need to be done by a certain date are high on my priority list but I always choose to complete the task close to the due date. I seem to waste a lot of time when I start a task early because I know I have a lot of time before it is due. For instance, take this course, I have known since January that I needed to complete a course before June 15 and waited until June 13 to start. I also knew that the course was something that I would be able to successfully accomplish and I believe that has a lot to do with my procrastination. If the task was something unfamiliar or a life/death situation I would definitely not put it off for a later time. I agree with the information presented in the module about prioritizing and accomplishing things ahead of time to reduce the amount of stree but I haven't actually figured out how to apply it to my lifestyle and habits.
That is a very point. I think I expect of myself.
It's true about the auto pilot. I have my classes fixed so that all I have to do is change the dates on the calendar and make additional copies of in class projects and I am done. I spend much less time prepping than some of my co workers.
Excellent Patricia! It's important to modify your tasks intermittently. The best interval depends on how much work is coming in to your queue. Sounds like weekly modification will work best for you!
I agree 100%. It's quite rewarding to throw away a to do list.
I have a nasty habit of attacking the unpleasant task like a bull in a china cabinet- I may procrastinate for a little while but when I work up the courage to go after it, I tend to become a tad mean spirited until it is complete. This really is one of my most unpleasant traits and is my response to chronic procrastination when I was much younger.
I can, however, say that I'm going to bring back the "to do" list into my life. I've been letting some really important recurrent things go of late and this could really impact that in a positive manner.
I complete tasks according to priority first expecially when I am starting a new course. I intend to modify my tasks on a weekly basis.
It is easy to let quick nonessential tasks take over allotted time. So I set a specific time which it is mandatory to work on a specific critical task, regardless of the attraction of time robbing nonessential task, such as checking email.
The tasks that I usually need to think about is the fact that I have priority lists for work and home and personal. So I usually make separate lists and have trouble combining them into one day or one week.
