Feb 12 2009
Back to Schoolers 101 - Step 3 (2) - Evaluate PRIORITIES
This is a continuation of Step 3 re: Evaluation: Priorities. Before that, in Step 2, we talked about Evaluating Resources … and before that was Step 1: Take Stock .
Before I move onto the next bit, evaluating obstacles/challenges, I thought we’d spend just a bit more time on HOW we evaluate priorities.
It is relatively easy, sometimes, to let things get a bit muddled up… to get more worried about what is best for everyone ELSE and forgot to prioritize our own needs. And to get all bent over needing to be PERFECT (or as close to it as humanly possible) …. and not being happy with what we do accomplish in spite of the many challenges we face.
Not that I would ever be guilty of any o’ that, of course 
It is a really good idea then, when you’re going through your list of priorities and deciding on the things you absolutely gotta-do to keep the following questions in mind:
WHY is this so important?
WHO is going to be hurt if I don’t do it (or don’t do it as well as I’d like)?
WHAT is the cost of doing - or not doing - it?
Also… a reminder…. especially when it comes to school assignments - take note of what things are WORTH in the overall scheme of things.
A paper that is worth 30% of your mark is worth worrying about.
A paper that works out to being worth 2% of your final mark is NOT. Seriously!
Just this week, I had a student opt not to hand in an assignment that was worth a fair bit because they “didn’t have time” to get it done. But that same student DID find time to complete 2 tasks that together total a pittance in terms of marks. *sigh* DO THE MATH! When you jot down your assignments in your date book or Blackberry or wherever, why not also make note of how much it is worth?
Anyway ….speaking of priorities, time for me to go vote (strike vote… ICK! I so hope we don’t go there) … and then go to a lecture.
Excellent advice, of course!