Comments on: Learning, Backwards.

By: Heather {ModernMealsforTwo}

Heather {ModernMealsforTwo} — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:29:21 +0000

I also have to take cues from Hubster and cut my INSANE list of to dos once in a while. Judging by the comments above, we’re not alone in the need to feel like we’ve rung every bit of productivity out of every day.

I think a lot of it comes from building a business. When you start it and are still working you really have to put in a lot of time. It’s hard to know when to throttle back and enjoy the time you have.

Random days off and breakfast on a weekday are a good start :)

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 21:58:51 +0000

Ann, yes, that sounds about right!

By: ann

ann — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 21:42:41 +0000

Kim – I’m happy that this is working for you. Dare I say that Scott is a lot like his father as far as chill time?

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 21:24:18 +0000

Jane, I like the idea of 3 MITs. That’s a good rounded number, and I’ll see if I can implement the idea in the coming work week. Thank you!

By: Jane Davila

Jane Davila — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 19:34:38 +0000

I think this is something that all of us in creative fields struggle with. It’s all made worse when you work at home and you’re self-employed, because the work is always there and the guilt or anxiety to get through the to-do lists never gets “left at the office” since the office is usually in the next room. I have a friend who is one of the most centered and present people I know and she gave me a great tip – and when I actually implement it the day goes so much better. She starts off each day by looking at her to-do list and deciding which of the things listed are her three MITs (Most Important Things). If you can focus on getting your 3 MITs done, then the rest is gravy. And if those are done then you can relax at the end of the day without guilt. My days get out of control and stressful when I don’t do start this way or when I start with more than 3 MITs. I’m also trying really, really hard to step away from work on the weekends, although that only happens about 40% of the time. I think we all have to remind ourselves to take a break when we need to, refill the well when we feel depleted, and be present as much as we can.

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:13:32 +0000

Jenn, we’ll work on this effort together! I’ve crashed in the past, too, and while it feels good at the time, I have guilt later. Down days are so, so necessary, but they feel better if you know you’ve earned it – as opposed to just crashing, hard.

Katie, you make a good point. I remember interviewing for jobs out of college, and my ability to multi-task was a major selling point. Like saying, “hire me! I can do everything!”

We’re also trying to do only 1-2 projects at time. First it was the studio remodel, then it was The Pet Shop site remodel. Now we’re working on a few new products for the Shop (including drawings and pillows!), and we’d like to give this blog a tiny makeover to match it’s newer, sleeker Shop counterpart.

BUT! Not all at once.

Scott, I love you!