Creating Task Management Systems
Why a task management system is useful?
There are many benefits to having a task management system including but not limited to: improving productivity, increasing efficiency, reducing stress, & monitoring trends! Below I will go over a simple exercise that will help you create a system that works for you. Remember, please be patient through this process. Neurodivergent kids really struggle with this kind of work. It takes lots of time, love, and patience!
The good news, you don't have to go it alone. I'm here for you! Please allow me to be your cheerleader! - Mr. Sam
DIRECTIONS
First, watch this video. Next, after reviewing the video, identify below how you currently satisfy/could satisfy each of the three parts of the task manager system.
REFLECT ON THESE KEY DOMAINS
IDEA QUICK CAPTURE?
This is where you write down all the things you have to do or events that you have to attend / free form ideas that don’t necessarily have a task tied to them but are things you might be thinking about.
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PLANNING?
This is where you take all the ideas from your tier 1 systems and figure out what your going to do with them in any given week. This could be as simple as writing things down on piece of paper or calendar.
DAILY PLANNING?
This is where you tackle your day and create an action plan to drive you throughout the day. You could write things down in the order you want to complete them and give yourself a estimated timeline in order to keep yourself accountable.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Next, check out the various systems in ← this link. Don’t skimp on this. Research your butt off and check out all of the resources I’ve shared with you. Then, please create your system below.
Note- no system is perfect and there is no one-size-fits-all. The best advice is to beg, borrow, and steal your favorite elements of other systems and make your own creation!
CREATE!
Take some time and create a system that you’ll really use. Remember that productivity is a very individual thing and that different people need different systems. If you need some inspiration here are some of my personal favorites.
EXAMPLES
TAKE NOTES
Create different folders for yourself with do lists or reminders of events / tasks that have to get completed. This is a super handy to keep on your phone for whenever something else needs to be added to your notes.
CREATE A LIST
Create a system of completion that works for you. A to do list could include reminders or timers for how long something should take. You can work backwards on your doing section and sometimes a task can go back to the to-do-section if your tackling it in parts. The done section celebrates victories and gamifies work.
PRIORITIZE
Create different categories that reflect level of importance.
Must - High-priority assignments, overdue assignments, final projects/exams, assignments with looming deadlines,
Should/Could - Proactive approach, physical activity, long-term projects, social engagements, develop a system to check for, and prioritize assignments
Want - Long-term projects, personal desires, extra credit assignments, extracurricular activities
