I know I've written quite a bit about time management. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I am still trying to figure it out. It's one of those things, I've determined, that the experts in such things can provide guidelines for, but one size does not fit all. Everyone has their own set of distractions that need to be kept in check in order to get your work done, especially if you work at home.
One of the best guidelines for me was so simple, my jaw dropped when I read it. Shut the door. Three simple words. Whereas I was working in the living room at the time, this proved to be impossible. I began to notice how many times a member of my family would enter the room to ask a question, turn on the television, argue over what channel to watch, etc.
This led to this summer's main project - build a studio. I have been wanting to join in the Vermont Crafts Council's Open Studio Weekend, but needed a studio. Now was the time. Unfortunately for me, the studio was completed too late to join in the fall Open Studio Weekend, but it will be open for the spring. The studio itself is heated, so I can work in there all winter long.
Hopefully, this will bring an end to the little distractions that make it difficult to work. I had a sketch/swatch accepted by a major magazine this summer that included a zipper. I had a good idea of how I was going to work up the sample, but it still had to be reworked a few times to get it right. I did not get to the zipper until the day before I had to mail it back to them to be received by the deadline. Wouldn't you know, I could not get that zipper in the way it was supposed to be? Once I had the whole thing together, I discovered other issues that should be reworked as well. I mailed it in, as I was out of time, only to receive a letter from the editor a week later that it could not be used due to various design issues (including the zipper). The editor was kind enough to send it back to me.
I am still reworking that design. I figured it I had that much trouble putting in that zipper, other people would as well, so I am trying to make it easier to do. The next time I submit it, it will be right!
Showing posts with label time management. Show all posts
Showing posts with label time management. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Setting Goals
Goals are where you want to be or what you want to have achieved by a certain time. They can be broken down into short term, mid-range, and long term increments. They should be realistic, or else you set yourself up for failure.
I find short term goals relatively easy to set and obtain. What to you want to do today? For me, today, I want to finish that afghan. It's so close to being done now I can see the end. My greatest fault is underestimating the actual time required to accomplish what I set out to do. Will I actually finish it today? I'm not sure, but I'm going to give it my all!
Mid-range goals are slightly less concrete. What do you want to accomplish in the next few months or year or two years? A look at the editorial calendars tells me that submission dates for different magazines are quite close at times. Therefore if two submissions are required for August, can one of them be done by the end of July?
Long term goals are where you want to be. They are the road map to keep you on the path. I was once told by a respected elder to hand write a list of things I wanted to accomplish in the next 5 years and why and post it on my mirror. By seeing this list every day, I managed to successfully accomplish every item on that list, including buying a house, in only 4 years! By checking an item off the list and noting the date it was accomplished, you gain confidence that the rest of it is possible.
Setting goals gives you reason for why you are doing something, which is especially important when frustration sets in. It helps with time management as well, as it can help you prioritize. Achieving goals provides a sense of accomplishment like no other. The trick is to make the goals realistic so you are not setting yourself up for failure.
I find short term goals relatively easy to set and obtain. What to you want to do today? For me, today, I want to finish that afghan. It's so close to being done now I can see the end. My greatest fault is underestimating the actual time required to accomplish what I set out to do. Will I actually finish it today? I'm not sure, but I'm going to give it my all!
Mid-range goals are slightly less concrete. What do you want to accomplish in the next few months or year or two years? A look at the editorial calendars tells me that submission dates for different magazines are quite close at times. Therefore if two submissions are required for August, can one of them be done by the end of July?
Long term goals are where you want to be. They are the road map to keep you on the path. I was once told by a respected elder to hand write a list of things I wanted to accomplish in the next 5 years and why and post it on my mirror. By seeing this list every day, I managed to successfully accomplish every item on that list, including buying a house, in only 4 years! By checking an item off the list and noting the date it was accomplished, you gain confidence that the rest of it is possible.
Setting goals gives you reason for why you are doing something, which is especially important when frustration sets in. It helps with time management as well, as it can help you prioritize. Achieving goals provides a sense of accomplishment like no other. The trick is to make the goals realistic so you are not setting yourself up for failure.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Focus
Life has thrown some unexpected curve balls my way this week, and as a result, my production fell far short of my goals. Therefore, today is all about focus.
Like focusing a camera to get the image clear, focusing your mind on a single project works the same way. You put on imaginary blinders to whatever else is going on around you. All that exists is the project, and the goal is to complete it. Look at it clearly and realistically from every possible angle.
Everyone feels overwhelmed at times. That can feel like stumbling around in the dark, or being a fish out of water. It's not comfortable, and you don't feel like you are in control. When this happens to you, stop whatever you are doing. Take a deep breath and exhale it slowly. Write down everything that has to be done that is overwhelming you. Prioritize - does anything have to be done right this second? If the answer is no you can relax because it is now all written down on a to-do list. If the answer is yes, take care of the emergency, then continue on with your day.
Think about it. Many times "emergencies" aren't your problem at all, but rather someone close to you who is venting frustration. Sometimes a simple suggestion (did you leave your car keys on the kitchen table?) is all it takes to defuse the situation.
If it is your own to-do list that is overwhelming you, take a moment to focus on that. Does everything on your list need to be done? Really? Give yourself a reality check - there's only so many hours in day. Can anyone else do something on that list for you?
Take the time to regain control. You can then tackle that to-do list or overdue project with renewed energy and enthusiasm!
Like focusing a camera to get the image clear, focusing your mind on a single project works the same way. You put on imaginary blinders to whatever else is going on around you. All that exists is the project, and the goal is to complete it. Look at it clearly and realistically from every possible angle.
Everyone feels overwhelmed at times. That can feel like stumbling around in the dark, or being a fish out of water. It's not comfortable, and you don't feel like you are in control. When this happens to you, stop whatever you are doing. Take a deep breath and exhale it slowly. Write down everything that has to be done that is overwhelming you. Prioritize - does anything have to be done right this second? If the answer is no you can relax because it is now all written down on a to-do list. If the answer is yes, take care of the emergency, then continue on with your day.
Think about it. Many times "emergencies" aren't your problem at all, but rather someone close to you who is venting frustration. Sometimes a simple suggestion (did you leave your car keys on the kitchen table?) is all it takes to defuse the situation.
If it is your own to-do list that is overwhelming you, take a moment to focus on that. Does everything on your list need to be done? Really? Give yourself a reality check - there's only so many hours in day. Can anyone else do something on that list for you?
Take the time to regain control. You can then tackle that to-do list or overdue project with renewed energy and enthusiasm!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Some Days The World Just Gets In The Way
If you've ever had a lot of momentum and energy and motivation to get something done, only to be usurped by other things, you know exactly what I mean. Yesterday started with the greatest of anticipation, but by noon had fizzled to wistful thinking. I finally had the time to pick up my crochet hook in the evening, but by that time all the energy had waned.
I grew up a Navy brat, and therefore tend to plan and schedule my time. I used to look at interruptions as major inconveniences. At some point I realized that some things just weren't meant to be, shrug it off, and move on. Get the mundane tasks accomplished - they won't go away by themselves. The trick seems to be rekindling the fire of energy you had before the interruption. Sometimes that takes the form of a good night's sleep.
Not every day will be productive. Life has a tendency to throw obstacles in the way. It's how these obstacles are overcome that provide life experience and shape the future.
I grew up a Navy brat, and therefore tend to plan and schedule my time. I used to look at interruptions as major inconveniences. At some point I realized that some things just weren't meant to be, shrug it off, and move on. Get the mundane tasks accomplished - they won't go away by themselves. The trick seems to be rekindling the fire of energy you had before the interruption. Sometimes that takes the form of a good night's sleep.
Not every day will be productive. Life has a tendency to throw obstacles in the way. It's how these obstacles are overcome that provide life experience and shape the future.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Establishing A Routine
They say it takes 3 weeks or 21 days to make or break a habit. Today marks the beginning of my fifth week of blogging every weekday morning. It has become a standard part of my day to grab a cup of coffee and sit at the computer, check email and blog.
Some days start earlier than others, thanks to summer thunderstorms and nervous animals, but the routine remains the same. I find it peaceful and easy to channel my thoughts to writing first thing in the morning. Once completed, I work on creating designs by sketching and writing notes as to the type of yarn, etc. I've noticed that there does not seem to be a whole lot of time (it seems that 4-6 weeks is average) to compile a submission for publication. Therefore, I've decided to create several sketches of ideas for future projects.
At this point in my day, the rest of the household is generally up and about. Time to grab my crochet hook and sit in my favorite spot in the living room so I know what's going on and am available to talk to while I work. I'll bounce future design ideas off of my family and get their input. All the while my hook is flying in creating the finished product I'm currently working on.
I do not usually get a lot accomplished, sometimes only a row or two, before the rest of the world is open for business. This means errands, appointments, shopping, phone calls ..... well, you get the idea. This has generated the crochet bag that goes with me absolutely everywhere! I love weekends for the simple fact that I can remain crocheting for hours and only go out if I want to.
My next dedicated crochet time is evening, a habit I started years ago. After dinner, I'll be in the living room crocheting away while being available for homework help and avid discussion.
I think establishing a daily routine is important, as dedicated blocks of time for certain tasks allows them to be achieved. If you think back to when you were in school, each class for each subject was scheduled. You knew exactly what you were supposed to be doing at any given time, and you accomplished a lot. Transfer this idea to your life now, and you may be surprised at how well it works!
Some days start earlier than others, thanks to summer thunderstorms and nervous animals, but the routine remains the same. I find it peaceful and easy to channel my thoughts to writing first thing in the morning. Once completed, I work on creating designs by sketching and writing notes as to the type of yarn, etc. I've noticed that there does not seem to be a whole lot of time (it seems that 4-6 weeks is average) to compile a submission for publication. Therefore, I've decided to create several sketches of ideas for future projects.
At this point in my day, the rest of the household is generally up and about. Time to grab my crochet hook and sit in my favorite spot in the living room so I know what's going on and am available to talk to while I work. I'll bounce future design ideas off of my family and get their input. All the while my hook is flying in creating the finished product I'm currently working on.
I do not usually get a lot accomplished, sometimes only a row or two, before the rest of the world is open for business. This means errands, appointments, shopping, phone calls ..... well, you get the idea. This has generated the crochet bag that goes with me absolutely everywhere! I love weekends for the simple fact that I can remain crocheting for hours and only go out if I want to.
My next dedicated crochet time is evening, a habit I started years ago. After dinner, I'll be in the living room crocheting away while being available for homework help and avid discussion.
I think establishing a daily routine is important, as dedicated blocks of time for certain tasks allows them to be achieved. If you think back to when you were in school, each class for each subject was scheduled. You knew exactly what you were supposed to be doing at any given time, and you accomplished a lot. Transfer this idea to your life now, and you may be surprised at how well it works!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Making Wasted Time Productive
I have read many posts and heard people talk about how much crochet they get done while waiting in doctor's offices, etc., so I decided to do an experiment. Trying to work time in to crochet for me never seems to happen. I printed up a sock pattern I liked, threw it in a zip lock bag with a skein of Paton's Stretch Socks with the appropriate crochet hook, and put the bag in my purse.
It has taken just over 2 months, but the first sock is complete. I worked on it at:
-the parent pick up line
-the doctor's office (both before being brought to the exam room and in the exam room)
-the physical therapy waiting room
-the drive-thru
-construction zones where traffic was stopped
-the movie theater waiting for the lights to go down and the movie to start
-the parking lot when someone else had to run into a store to pick up "just a few things".
(Note: I once met a woman who was crocheting in the checkout line from a wrist bag - what a great idea!)
-the chairs outside the fitting room at clothes stores
-the mall sitting areas
-the passenger seat of the car
-the picnic table at the park
-the car mechanic's waiting area
Two months for one sock certainly is not breakneck speed; however, considering it was made during time dedicated toward something else, I find it somewhat amazing. I'd be a millionaire if I had a dollar for every time someone said to me "what a great idea" when they saw me crocheting while waiting.
My little experiment just goes to show that even the busiest schedule can fit time to crochet. Now to get started on that second sock.....
It has taken just over 2 months, but the first sock is complete. I worked on it at:
-the parent pick up line
-the doctor's office (both before being brought to the exam room and in the exam room)
-the physical therapy waiting room
-the drive-thru
-construction zones where traffic was stopped
-the movie theater waiting for the lights to go down and the movie to start
-the parking lot when someone else had to run into a store to pick up "just a few things".
(Note: I once met a woman who was crocheting in the checkout line from a wrist bag - what a great idea!)
-the chairs outside the fitting room at clothes stores
-the mall sitting areas
-the passenger seat of the car
-the picnic table at the park
-the car mechanic's waiting area
Two months for one sock certainly is not breakneck speed; however, considering it was made during time dedicated toward something else, I find it somewhat amazing. I'd be a millionaire if I had a dollar for every time someone said to me "what a great idea" when they saw me crocheting while waiting.
My little experiment just goes to show that even the busiest schedule can fit time to crochet. Now to get started on that second sock.....
Friday, June 17, 2011
Musings and Deadlines
Today being Friday, I tend to reflect upon the past week and make goals for the next. I know the experts say to make monthly goals, but to keep myself on track, weekly reviews work best for me.
After mailing out the application to the CGOA, I passed the halfway point on the Herrschner's afghan. That afghan has gotten to the point of "I want it done already!", so I keep plugging away at it. If I don't work on it every day, the temptation is there to put it in the closet as a UFO (unfinished object). I know that once I can see the end is near, my motivation will dramatically increase to finish it.
A quick peek at my crochet calendar tells me I've got to get going if I am planning on a submission to Crochet Today for their winter edition. I have the idea and basic sketch, but it looks like a trip to the yarn shop is in order this weekend to get the materials I need. The deadline is July 1, which means I will either have to get it in the mail next week or make my very first email submission.
While at the store, I plan to pick up the summer editions of my favorite crochet magazines. I really need to start filling in the project ideas for the fall/winter onslaught of gift giving.
Surprisingly, I haven't gotten a lot of inventory completed for the fall craft fairs. Well, maybe it's not all that surprising - I haven't really decided if I want to do the fairs this year. My husband is urging me to, but I know the amount of work that is involved, and there's a whole lot of other stuff going on in our lives right now. Maybe a compromise is in order - sign up for 2 or 3 craft fairs and that's it. Hmmm, something to think about.
After mailing out the application to the CGOA, I passed the halfway point on the Herrschner's afghan. That afghan has gotten to the point of "I want it done already!", so I keep plugging away at it. If I don't work on it every day, the temptation is there to put it in the closet as a UFO (unfinished object). I know that once I can see the end is near, my motivation will dramatically increase to finish it.
A quick peek at my crochet calendar tells me I've got to get going if I am planning on a submission to Crochet Today for their winter edition. I have the idea and basic sketch, but it looks like a trip to the yarn shop is in order this weekend to get the materials I need. The deadline is July 1, which means I will either have to get it in the mail next week or make my very first email submission.
While at the store, I plan to pick up the summer editions of my favorite crochet magazines. I really need to start filling in the project ideas for the fall/winter onslaught of gift giving.
Surprisingly, I haven't gotten a lot of inventory completed for the fall craft fairs. Well, maybe it's not all that surprising - I haven't really decided if I want to do the fairs this year. My husband is urging me to, but I know the amount of work that is involved, and there's a whole lot of other stuff going on in our lives right now. Maybe a compromise is in order - sign up for 2 or 3 craft fairs and that's it. Hmmm, something to think about.
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