Work Habits that Work for Me
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Original Post
1) I divide my work into small tasks, the first of which I do right away. This is so much better than putting everything off because it is to huge to face!
The first small task is typically setting up my work area for the job that needs to be done. Pull out the right supplies and tools; put away everything else. Done! Pat on back!
The next day, it is easy to step up to an inviting work area, where everything is laid out and waiting to be done.
2) If there is a mistake or a mess, likewise, divide it into small tasks. The first is to undo the mistake. This is often a big obstacle for creative people who are thinking of fixing things to overcome a mistake and are fretting about how that can be done. Don't think about that now. Just undo the mistake, even if this means trashing something. That's enough for one session. The next time you go to work, there is nothing to fix, only a fresh starting point.
3) Use the calendar to make an appointment with yourself for things you don't trust yourself to finish. Treat it like a regular work commitment to a boss or a client. Show up and complete your work.
4) Turn off the television, the phone and the computer. These sap a lot of time and before you realize it, you are not in the sharpest frame of mind to get through your task list.
5) Listen to yourself. If you are having trouble staying on track, maybe you are not doing what you love the best but what you think you are supposed to be doing (from advice, from comparing yourself to something, from some external perception?) If you are motivated by desire, you won't need to discipline yourself so much.
Erica
Posted at 4:26pm Oct 27, 2010 EDT
Responses
Excellent - its so helpful to have concrete advice to keep me on track. Thanks!
Posted at 8:05pm Oct 27, 2010 EDT
That is good advice.. you seem to be right on track... now I am off to visit your shop... thank you!!!
Posted at 8:08pm Oct 27, 2010 EDT
sleep in late, watch some tv with coffee, go get cleaned up and make the bed, start working around 11 or so, work til naptime, eat dinner, then work til midnight with a glass of wine and NPR. Works for me.
Posted at 8:14pm Oct 27, 2010 EDT
I have to make an effort to put the computer down. I have the TV on to something that I don't have to watch to keep up with (sitcom reruns or cable news channels work for me). Creeps me out to have the tv in the room, but not on. I should have never watched "Poltergeist".
Posted at 8:20pm Oct 27, 2010 EDT
Great post!!! I have been very unproductive lately, and this is great advice to get me back on track!
Posted at 8:36pm Oct 27, 2010 EDT