I have a lot of personal projects, but it seems most of them never get finished. (paid projects of course take priority but can't I have it all?
What do you do? Make lists? Create a structured timetable? Go to a place where is less distractions? Get people to help (does working with a group promote daily focus)? Create goals and rewards? Only work on a small set number of personal projects at a time so each get more focus? Or are you in the same boat?
I want to know the difference between what just sounds good, and what works.
by Grommesch, June 22nd 2010 1:06 AM
Stick Men Creation©
Many of us are facing the same problem: we're all on overload. Wether your a successful entrepreneur, or starting a business in your own garage, projects can take up a lot of space and time. It's a common mistake to get angry and chuck it all down the toilet, or simply abandon everything, and go for something simple. But don't fret! There is always a way to get organized and juggle both life with work. Here's what to do:
1. Write it down. Before doing anything else you must get your ideas down on paper. Find yourself a blank notebook, or diary of some sort that you can carry around with you everywhere you go. Label it, if you like, then make yourself a check list:
☑ Write down one by one, all of your plans and ideas for futur projects.
☑ Highlite important or urgent ones.
☑ Now stand back and have a look at your list; double check to see if you forgot anything. Once that's over, the rest of the pages can be used for writing, sketching and planning whenever inspiration happens to strike.
From time to time, you may have to make new lists, so make sure to record everything in your notebook, so nothing gets left behind!
2. Organise what you already have. Take a look at your closet space...or wherever you keep your stuff and categorize all of your work. Head strait for your local office supplies store, get yourself some folders and categorize what you have into: Unfinished, Completed, In Production. (In Completed, you may also have sub-branches: Public and Personal) If you have a very wide range of products, label them with specifications and place them on shelves by category.
On the other hand, if your projects can't fit in folders, do your best to categorize them as well. (Wether it's on the computer, or in boxes...)
3. Plan it. Use a calendar and mark off when you are busy. Many people in business already have a schedule but if this is not the case, then it's time you make one. Schedules are very important! Mark off every day your busy and possibly add details: even if you are just going out with friends or planning a day of rest for yourself, use colors (yes, just like in primary!) to recognize your:
A) Freetime B) Outings C) Work/School/Internship...etc
Now once that's done, you can move on to this: D) Projects
Tip: Take advantage of waiting time. Whenever your in the metro, waiting in line or at the doctor's office, use that time to get ahead on your work. Alway make sure you have something with you to do.
- Working with others: If you are involved in a group project, or are planning to collaborate with others, think twice before doing so. Are these people serious about what they are doing? If they are passionate workers, and love what they are doing then fine. If this is not the case, as hard as it may be to turn someone down, sometimes it's necessary. But the real dillemma is this: what if your coworkers are souly dedicated to their work, but just lack talent? We will cover this later on a seperate topic. Here's a hint: Music (if played softly) can sometimes help with concentration (except for in some cases such as animation). See what you do with that..
- Don't rush! Do not get so caught up in your projects that you can't handle anything at all! As said above, a calendar is a fantastic tool for organisation, but you must focus on only a few projects at a time. What's most important, and ones with tight deadlines (especially) are top priority. It's not always about what you feel like doing, but also what has to get done. Remember, business is business.
- Distractions: This is a one of the most commonly encountered problems. Some things may seem like distractions when they actually aren't. Such as: windows, music, repetitive noises (ticking clocks, fossets...etc). Others however, are classics: noisy kids, television, very loud music and other noises, and so on. On the other hand, too much quiet and time spent in an enclosed area can in some cases promote distractions! Because of the feeling of being "trapped", you may have the need to get up and get some fresh air. If you work in an office (or house, who knows?) similar to this, get up, stretch, and take a break outside. If not, try to find a place were you can work that has at least one window, so that you can at least be aware of the fact that there is still a world out there besides you and your desk. To cope with other distractions, put on a little bit of music, or turn on the radio. If it gets to the extreme, you may need headphones. Some activities require that you work in silence. If you happen to be working around kids, you just may have to explain to them that you need some peace and quiet, and find something for them to do (Other than TV...maybe a pencil and paper for a change?). Now if you still can't focus, sadly, you may just have to cope with it, until another solution is found.
- The right stuff: How can you keep up with your projects everywhere you go? Especially if you travel often. Phones are, and have been an excellent solution. But now that technology has advanced I suggest purchasing an iPad...an obvious choice. If your budget is tight, a good quality LG phone is perfectly fine and prices range around more or less 90$. Reminders and calendar notes as well as other features are (although quite mediocre) available. Now if you really are experiencing money problems, there's nothing wrong with a good old classic Post-it/Sticky note! Some of the best reminders of all time and the ones that clutter your desk up the most! Use colors -again- for what's urgent or not, or if you can't be bothered get yourself a mini notebook to write down each task, and bar it once completed. P.S: Phones can be tricky so be very careful. Although almost no one does it, check the manual before trying out an new features. Those phone companies will rip you off like never seen before!
- Coping with the stress: Once in a while, you will need to wind own. Working non stop with no breaks whatsoever is not always a solution.Find something that helps you relax or expose yourself to something completely different. This doesn't mean you have to go on vacation, just find a small time during the day to wind down and do something different.
- The psycology of it all: If you are truly dedicated to what you are doing, then the true reward is having done it, and done it well. The best results come from those made with the most effort. You may get fustrated from time to time, but if you keep going at a steady pace you will sure not regret it. Don't lose your personal life just to get where you're going, be happy with what you have, and try your best. After you've done that what else is there to say?
Some helpful links:
For tips on managing and business.
To view Grommesch's original question on this subject.
Thanks. ^^ This really helps. =)
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