Apparently I’ve got some fake deadlines running around in my head. Any of you who know about my other blog now I have moved it to its new site. Or rather, I had someone else move it for me. 🙂
I have SO many things I want to do, and I want them all done NOW. Or preferably, yesterday. So what do we do when we’re pulling our hair out and insisting that we have to get everything done right away? Is it really going to be the end of the world if I can’t figure out how to change my theme today? (That answer actually could be yes, because I really don’t like the way the website looks, and that makes me unhappy.) But really, what can I wait to do until tomorrow?
I have spent tons of hours the past few days working on things and getting my life in order. Yes, I did take an afternoon to go to the beach, but I also came home and worked on things. I haven’t really taken a day off completely. I spend hours and hours on the computer writing content, and when I’m not doing that I’m reading the book I promised I’d review on my blog. Or doing Tarot readings for others.
The problem with striking out on your own is that it’s easy to over-do it. Especially if you have a good plan in place and a lot of definite tangible steps that you want to do. It’s easy to get burnt-out, and I definitely want to avoid that at all costs.
So, what do you do? Do you limit the number of hours a day you work? Do you limit the number of activities you do in a day? Do you schedule days off? Or do you work, work, work, trying to meet imaginary deadlines because all of the deadlines are RIGHT NOW?
I think I need to schedule some things out over the next few weeks and months. Instead of trying to get everything done today (or yesterday), or even by the end of the week, I need to look at realistic goals and long-term strategies for growth.
And maybe I’ll even schedule a day off once in a while.
Comments
9 responses to “Fake Deadlines”
I'm constantly trying to figure out the right "balance" with all that I need to juggle. It's never easy, but one day at a time right? 🙂 Thanks for sharing on NOBH and best wishes on reaching all your goals!
I have so many things to do right now, just to get my new house in order, that I almost feel paralyzed. I keep setting up deadlines ("finish that bedroom by Wednesday") but they don't work,perhaps because they are fake. They have no teeth.
As for balance, that's a tough one. I try to have productive days, but that's hard to define. And relaxation means relaxing with a child… an interesting concept with an active boy.
Great post! Melinda
Thanks Tracy and Melinda! I am loving the NOBH (No Ordinary Blog Hop) blogs!
Melinda, I know what you mean about the fake deadlines having no teeth. It's hard to write something on the calendar and stick to it when you know there aren't severe and immediate consequences if you don't follow through. It's a tough one! 🙂
What if you took your project and tear it down into manageable steps? One or two items a day? More if you felt like it.
The trick to being in balance is having compassion for yourself. But this takes practice.
I, like you, take time off to do fun things, but then it's back to the grindstone. UBC is a great example; I not only have to write each day, but I have to visit at least 3 other blogs and comment. I try to hit new ones daily, but that doesn't always work.
And then I remember, tomorrow is a new day with new promise. You can do only so much. What I also find is when I take a break, new ideas come to me; just have to ensure pen, paper or my phone is handy to capture the brilliance 😉
Be kind to yourself; you deserve a break today — McDonald's or not 😉
Dream ON!
PeggyLee
Work on the things that are truly important first. Sounds basic until you really dig in to figure out what important means! Does important mean earning income? Then you should be doing different activities than if important means sharing your story with people.
It is ok to have a list of a 100 things to do – just realize you probably cannot get them all done at once, and either give yourself the time to get them done, or get some help!
Trust me… I can tell you are doing just fine – don't be too hard on yourself.
Be Well.
Paul.
You will always have too many things to do. That is okay. Do all you cn do in a day and leave some for tomorrow.
In the Franklin Covey system they take into account the fact hat many people think they can accomplish more in one day than they actually do.
Know what? Research shows thaw that CEOs of major companies actually spend just 15 minutes a day on work they planned to do. other things get in their way.
Look for my pot on time bending sometime laster this week.
I find that with laser focus for short bursts of time I can knock off many things on my to do list. If I choose tasks carefully and only work on one at a time, it's amazing the progress I make. It's when I spin multiple plates and feel very busy that I get exhausted and nothing gets done. Multi-tasking is death! (Unless it's two fairly mindless activities, like folding laundry and listening to the radio)
It sounds like you have been getting some good advice and you even had some you knew instinctually. I can sympathize…I have been known to pull all nighters when completely unnecessary because I want it all done perfectly now. Try to fight the temptation for the self imposed impossible deadlines.
Thank you everyone for your support and kind words. It's really helped me get through and get on out there this week!
(((Hugs))) and Blessings!
🙂