Sorry for not-so-fun article, but I'm feeling a little frustrated today. I've been working on a project for months (I write questions for an academic tournament), and I just can't seem to get the job done! I set a goal for myself of having written all of my questions by the day before Thanksgiving (so I could enjoy the holidays sans guilt), and as of today, January 11th, I have only finished 62% of them. Yes, I did spend a chunk of time making that calculation when I could have been writing, but I wanted to get a clear picture of where I stand...
I'm not really trying to whine here, but my "to do" list just doesn't seem to get any shorter! When I finally do come to the end of a project, I fill the newly-opened spot on my list with something else that needs to be done. Ugh...
So, here is my cry for help: "How do you do it???" Do any of you, dear readers, have advice on boosting efficiency without losing it? Or at least feeling better about your lack of efficiency?? If you don't, feel free to vent, too. I actually feel better after having typed this. Maybe I'll write another question right now...
7 comments:
Take it from me, the Mama from the Land of Good Intentions, writing ANYTHING - creative, technical, or otherwise - is impossible with a demanding toddler at your knee. And then, when said toddler goes to bed after a long day of juicepops, train-waving, meandering walks, whining, hissy-fits complete with smashing and throwing things, and declaring her constant status of independence (I DO IT!!!!) followed by a frustrated "HELP MOMMEEEEE!!!"...after a whole day of that, you get some quiet time at the very end when you know you should be getting some work done, but all you really want to do is rest your tired mind and body. Whatever didn't get done will HAVE to WAIT...til tomorrow. Surely I'll get it done tomorrow...sound familiar? ;-D
Sounds like you need a stress reliever, Rachel. Like, say, maybe some kickboxing? :P
Good luck on getting things done. I can only offer you "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of life advice. lol I should write a blog on that. (it would definitely be interesting lol)
Take a good look at everything that needs to be done. Figure out what the important things are. Write them down. Lose the list somewhere. Make mental notes, then forget them. Sooner or later you have no choice but to get things done, because your life depends on it. Groceries? Because you will starve otherwise. See, it's natural motivation. ;) lol
I think find ways to de-stress yourself is the real secret. Even if everything isn't done, your happiness is what matters! Focus on what really matters. :) And, smile!
I agree with Liz! Take an exercise break and then take another look at your to do list. Hopefully a boost of energy would help!
Thanks for the advice, and here's to tomorrow! ;)
Here, Here!
Rachel, Sometimes I think I am the Queen of Trying to Get it All Done. Inevietibly, I never do.
One thing that helps me get a lot of things done is that I quit watching TV. I can do so many thinkgs in those hours.
We have a rule that we will institue when my kids get a little bigger, that you can watch as much TV as you want as long as you are doing something productive at the same time. So, sometimes, if I sit and watch a movie with THE Princess, I knit hats for baby showers or set up my sewing machine and do some easy sewing, or I mend clothes, or sew on buttons, or hem pants. That's how I get lots of little projects done.
I have also started hiring a babysitter for Thursday afternoons. Someone to play with my kids while I call my online kids, clean the house for the weekend and take a shower by myself. That is money well spent!!
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