Saturday, November 10, 2007

Why Does Everything Take Longer Than One Anticipates?

So I've spent today working, attempting to check items off of the big list of things to do, and while I know I'm making progress, everything feels like it's taking about 5 times as long as it should take and I don't really feel like I'm getting anywhere. I think part of the problem is that I was too ambitious when I made my list of things to do, and I didn't break it down enough to really let myself feel like I'm accomplishing things. That makes me then want to revise my to-do list, to make it fit into more bite-sized chunks, but it occurs to me that to revise one's to-do list when one feels like one isn't accomplishing anything may not be the best of all possible plans.

So here's what I'm thinking: I'm thinking that I will do a good chunk of work still on The Book, so that I'll be in good shape to finish up with what I'm doing tomorrow. Then, I think I'll leave that task, and I will do a few things around the house that don't require thought. Then, I think I will settle in for the evening, do some beauty rituals, and do some prep for my lit classes. Yes, this seems like a solid revised plan, and this will put me in fine form for the telephone conversation that I'm anticipating to end my evening. Ah yes, things may take longer than I like, but solid progress is being made.

1 comment:

Andrea said...

Yes - and revising ones todo list is such an industrious form of procrastination, I often fall prey to it. One solution is to only make the more detailed list when you hit that item - sublists if you will. That way you still have the pleasure of crossing off (and you see how much stuff you tried to cram into one item. I used to make lists like clean bathroom, get groceries, write chapter 3) but you don't waste time breaking down items your not going to get to anyway.