Deadlines
Are you a planner or last-minuter?
We are held accountable by deadlines. They provide us with a timeline and allow us to plan ahead. Even though deadlines are largely arbitrary (there are a few things that must occur at particular times), they give us structure.
However, they can also contribute to anxiety and stress. We're all aware of how long things take to do, and when we don’t want to (or are unable), we do so at the last minute. Done is good right? Indeed, it is. However, I enjoy spending time on hobbies that I choose.
I set a weekly deadline for these letters, which has proven to be quite realistic so far. There is no stress or anxiety, and I am well ahead of the curve. The trouble I'm having is that I know it's coming. I need to plan ahead and schedule time for research, writing, and design.
I adore it all, but I have a tendency to overcommit. I'm currently working on a number of small projects and while I love each of them, splitting my time between them also means separating my focus. Even though they are small, the brain's gear shift remains the same. It takes time to enter the project's headspace and perform.
As I mentioned in the ‘Give Way’ letter, limiting myself to three projects with a manageable number of responsibilities was working well. I'm now exceeding that, and the quality of everything I'm working on is beginning to suffer.
These letters will continue not on a weekly basis, but on a monthly. I need to complete a few other projects first before returning to the weekly commitment. I'd like to write when I have something to say, not when Monday approaches. Much more casual and infrequent.
To ensure that I have the appropriate amount of time to devote, I need to scale back on projects that aren't absolutely vital. I've enjoyed experimenting with new ideas and having something to share each week. However, that is a hobby, and one which I wish to remain passionate about. While I am still, I don't want it to become a burden. So I’ll be around, just not every week!
I’ll leave you with a video that gives you the chance to be a fly on the wall in a coaching session. A man expressing how much opportunity he has, but not knowing where to take it. Put it on in the background, or listen to it on your commute - it has some good insights.
Consider what you're doing and whether you can scale back. We are perpetually in a state of "What else am I able to do? Is it possible to include this into my schedule?" However, we rarely ask, "What can I remove?"
Stay safe, and pass-it-on.