Finding Time for Everything: A Guide to Prioritization
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Understanding the Project Dilemma
Lately, I've been feeling overwhelmed by my numerous commitments. With various projects on my plate, I often find myself fixated on resolving issues with one task, causing a complete standstill in my workflow.
For instance, I can’t advance my novel until I complete my research, and I can’t blog until I’ve made progress on my novel, leaving me unable to run errands in the meantime. I tend to concentrate all my energy on the task at hand to meet my deadlines, even though not all of my projects are urgent or time-sensitive.
Interestingly, the urgent tasks coexist with those I pursue purely for enjoyment. When I refer to ‘projects,’ I'm talking about any set of activities requiring follow-through, not all of which are creative in nature. Each project is driven by different motivations.
Barbara Sher, in her book Refuse to Choose!, discusses individuals with diverse interests, whom she refers to as ‘Scanners.’ She compares them to bees that move from one flower to another, suggesting that society often misunderstands their need for variety:
> "We simply assume that a Scanner has a problem if he doesn’t stay at one interest as long as we believe he should stay — usually for his whole adult lifetime or at least until the job is 'finished.' But if we don’t know why the Scanner is involved with a subject (that is, what kind of nectar he’s after), we really have no way of knowing what his Duration is, so we don’t know when he’s finished."
This quote emphasizes that everyone seeks different rewards (or ‘nectar’) from their projects. Sher encourages individuals to transition freely between projects instead of conforming to a more specialized approach.
Recognizing My Motivations
Reflecting on my own motivations, I've categorized my projects into various purposes:
- Relaxation and enjoyment
- Challenge and personal growth
- Sharing a message or achieving an external goal
- Simplifying life
Only those projects with defined external objectives truly have time constraints. Conversely, the ones aimed at making life easier often feel urgent when my life becomes chaotic. This raises the question: what do I need most at this moment?
When I feel overwhelmed, it’s essential to pause, evaluate my situation, and reassess my priorities. Acting on these priorities may require me to step away from my current task.
Switching between projects can be daunting, as I fear losing the enthusiasm and momentum I currently possess. However, experience has taught me that this enthusiasm often returns when I create space for it. I try to envision a scenario where I can address everything on my list.
As I noted in 2020, I approach project selection as a choice of what to tackle first. This perspective alleviates the pressure of decision-making; no idea is permanently discarded.
Having pending projects on my list shouldn’t induce anxiety or imply failure; it’s simply part of the process.
For further insights, you can read more about:
How to Choose Between Creative Project Ideas
- Identify the motivations behind each project and strategically sequence them.
Addressing Time Pressure
Currently, I find that my sense of urgency stems from planning a trip — a task that is not inherently creative yet often proves more challenging. This task is the most time-sensitive on my agenda, yet I was dedicating all my energy to writing, as if my novel would somehow facilitate the trip planning.
Recognizing that I have ample time for writing allowed me to pause and focus on completing the trip planning.
Here's my worksheet resource for engaging in a deeply creative work session!
The first video titled How I Make Time for Everything (Even with a Full-Time Job) explores practical techniques to manage time effectively, even amidst a busy schedule.
The second video, Make Time for Everything You Want to Do, provides insights on prioritizing tasks to make space for personal goals.