For years, I was a multitasking queen. I was organized, efficient and knew how to keep a meeting moving – though unfortunately I was usually one of the schmucks forced to sit through the droning of a boss who enjoyed hearing him/herself talk.
I picked up the skills fast as a journalist and they just stuck. As a reporter, you have to be able to handle several projects while juggling stupid demands from (usually) idiot editors who don't have a clue.
But I digress…
Of course a good thing like organization cannot last. I got burned out after a while – and I moved after I lost my job – so my entire existence changed. It really hasn't been the same since. Neither have my organization skills.
May and June were Hell Months. Everything bottlenecked. Things weren't working out right. It was incredibly stressful. I decided then that I would do whatever it took to get organized again, so I could have time to write and RELAX. (If my grill and I don't get at least one day together a week, we both get cranky.)
Just how to do that, I'm still not quite sure. I've tried a few things, threw out some ideas and thought of new ones. I hope to hit a successful formula soon – one that does not entail murder to get some peace and quiet.
I did have a multitask giggle moment today when I saw the article, "Americans Push Multitasking to New Heights," right after I read a post I found on Twitter titled, "5 Ways to Spend Less Time at Work." (Multitasking should keep us out of the office, but it usually just leads to more work – especially when your boss realizes you can do five things at once.)
The latter has a few terrific tips that can be adopted for the busy author who has to keep a strict schedule to meet deadlines.
What are you doing to stay organized?
Simone
July 22, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Like you I used to be a multi-tasking queen. It gets old. I used to get such satisfaction from juggling projects. I think it was the challenge. Now I prefer to spend more time focused on one thing or fewer things at one time.
As far as my writing life, I use a thin accordion file where several projects are kept. I keep one slot for future ideas that have yet to be developed. The other three are for projects I hope to get to in the near future.
For the main project, I used a 3 ring binder, with a notepad tucked inside a flap. I keep everything related to the project in it. It works incredibly well. It serves as an office away from home and I don’t lose as much. I also stay motivated because you have a clear sense of how the project is shaping up.