One thing at a time

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be making a list each day. Usually the list will contain almost the same things. Tasks that you just need to do, items that you keep meaning to do, and ideas that you just want to try and record somewhere.

A never ending list

I tried various techniques but just a standard list seems to be all I need. As well as general work tasks, my lists can include food shopping, holiday packing or walking the dog (a reminder that I need the exercise not the dog). I need to write tasks down to not forget and I’m a pen & paper person. My moleskin is always close to hand. I also use Clear app so that when it’s done I can swipe left. Such a good feeling! Since I’ve started freelancing, that list has got longer. Now it’s about setting up insurance, emailing new clients, checking contracts, and recording expenses. It’s a lot to keep on top of.

To add to that I’m now making more changes to my life. Dry January is going well so long as I don’t go out. New Year’s resolutions mean I’m writing daily, reading more, improving my yoga. I want to regularly see my friends, get to more gigs and save up for a new kitchen. Oh and keep myself going while freelancing. Somehow with a work-life balance in there.

It all seems a bit utopian

One thing that I know is that it’s overwhelming to make changes. Little steps never feel like progress is being made. Doing everything all at once is impossible. My mother bought my dad a print once that says “You have only to make time”. It seems fitting that rather than worrying about the hours, that I tackle one thing at a time. After all the list is never finished, and it never should be.