Unit 2: Identifying Stressors and Distractors
Unit 2 introduces you to the problems that arise when trying to manage your time. You will learn how to prioritize tasks and figure out what is urgent. Then, you will learn what stressors can arise and how to own them. Finally, you will learn about some common myths and truths and figure out how much time you can devote to certain tasks.
For each subunit, please track how long it takes you to complete the subunit. You will be asked to use this information in an assessment for Unit 2. You may like to keep a log of time you spend on this Unit in your notes.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.
Upon successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
- categorize task urgency;
- organize priorities;
- identify stress responses;
- differentiate between multitasking and task management; and
- define attention span.
2.1: Decide What is Important and How Important it Is
In this video, Cliffe gives an extensive overview of how our brains work regarding task management. At 47 minutes, this is a long video, but please watch it all and do the exercises that Cliffe provides. Remember to keep a log of how much time you spend on each subunit, as you will be asked to use this information at the end of Unit 2.
This video offers a simple framework to organize priorities and figure out the urgency of tasks. Try to create an ABCD task framework. Spend some time and organize your tasks according to the ABCD task framework.
In this video, Nick offers another way to organize and prioritize your tasks. He gives a simple framework to categorize tasks. Try this method to decide if the 3 Ps method sits well with you.
In this short video, Evil Genius Leadership Consultants offer a framework for prioritizing tasks. Thinking consciously about priorities is an important exercise.
2.2: Find Your Stressors and Respond to Them
In this video, Peter Gerlach defines stress. He gives a broad overview of what stress is and how we can name stress in our life. After watching, write down the stressors in your life. Please continue to maintain a record of how long you are spending in each sub-section of this Unit.
In this video, Ameer Rosic offers a framework for finding and reacting/responding to stress. The video gives practical tips on reframing stressors and responses to them. After you watch this video, try to find a few stressors in your life and write down how you normally respond to them.
2.3: Find Your Attention Span and Use it to Your Advantage
The Pomodoro technique is one of the best ways to find your attention span. In this video, the speaker explains the Pomodoro technique for time management and attention span. While she uses 25 minutes as an exmple, I encourage you to find what works best for you through trial and error. Some of us have longer attention spans than others. Try to break up your hour into work and break. For some, this will mean a 43-minute uninterrupted session followed by a 17-minute break. Spend the next week finding your Pomodoro number.
In this video, Katie Taylor describes the Pomodoro technique in detail. She explains the technique, using the 25-minute method with a 5-minute break. She describes that after four Pomodoros, you get a 15-minute break. Experiment with the Pomodoro technique and the timing of breaks to see what works best for you.
2.4: Discover the Truth About Multitasking
Many jobs and situations need multitasking, such as driving, riding a bike, or reading music while playing an instrument. This video describes why multitasking in more general terms is bad for our brain, and how we can be more productive by focusing instead of trying to multitask. Using the Pomodoro technique from above, try to focus instead of multitasking, and see how much you do.
In this video, Ralph provides a framework for commitment instead of multitasking and the difference between working "in parallel" and multitasking. Using the word multitasking is a misnomer, and we should focus on working "in parallel" as our paradigm for speaking about task management. Ralph’s focus is on engineering, but you can use his ideas outside of engineering.
After you have finished watching, spend at least 30 minutes writing about the difference between multitasking and parallel working. Give examples of times when you were multitasking when you should have been working in parallel and the toll doing so took on your work.
Unit 2 Activities
This activity has two parts. For the first part, you will need your record of how much time you spent on the resources and activities assigned within Unit 2. If you did not keep such a record, go back now and estimate the time commitment you made to Unit 2.
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
