I think that Making Time has been a very big theme for me in the last year. Past newsletters on manifestation, planning, and being nimble seem to point towards that. (Those 3 links now lead to my Blog, where these essays will live in a more shareable format) I'm about to participate in a conversation on Time Management with my friends Zak Foster, Audrey Esarey, and Luke Haynes. And speaking of managing time, it seems appropriate to share (ahem, cough) prep my thoughts on that subject here. 😉 You can see our talk with the YouTube video below!
Coaching: I've been consistently working with two career coaches this year. I met Lisa Mueller (linkedin) (insta)when she was a student in my mending workshop in 2019. We stayed in touch, and she impressed me with her desire to talk strategy and work with me. During the last year, she has been an incredible resource for hands-on practical stuff like to-do lists, organizing my workspace, visualizing my calendar, and committing to reminding me about my long term goals instead of getting swept away with the day-to-day stuff. This isn't her full-time job, but she is accepting additional clients, and her passion for strategy has been amazing for me. I've also been meeting with an advisor from my college SAIC. In both of these cases, and with occasional advising sessions that I've had as one-off appointments, this kind of focused thoughtfulness in a professional rather than friendly setting has been awesome for making time. These appointments, and earning the $ to pay for them is a worthwhile investment. (I also know this because I do this work with my own one-on-one consultations)
Categorized to-do lists: This is a tool that I developed with Lisa. My to-do list is sorted into 9 categories that make sense for me. Examples include: Quick Hits, Making for Work, Making Personal, Cognitive for Work, Cognitive Personal, Physical To-Do, Pulse Check, Long-Term Goals.... I add things to this list, and then pull from this list when I make my weekly calendar. As I complete things, I cross them off with my chisel tip sharpie. Then, I have a visual record of black lines of where my time has been going. All in one area? Maybe it's a sign. Not feeling up to a cognitive project or low of steps? Take a peek at the physical list.
Polaroids: Technically, they're fuji instax mini's, but the point is the same. I was feeling like, "I never get to sew!" "All I do is work at the computer!" With a little reflection, I realized that couldn't possibly be true. I made over 15 quilts in 2020. (not that I made time to put them on my website yet, but my assistant Kat is slowly emerging from being the covid-mom of a 4-year old, and she's gonna make it happen soon!) I also noticed that my "personal to make" list sure had a lot of black lines on it quick. Hmmm... Why then this feeling that I never sew? Oh yes, I'm a completely insatiable hedonist when it comes to sewing, and I would literally sew till my arm fell of if I could. I will never sew 'enough,' but I do sew a lot, and it's good for my body that I don't sew non-stop. SO, I'm taking polaroids every time I finish a professional 'make,' and I'm putting them on display near my sewing table. It will be convenient for Kat to stay organized, and It helps me stay in touch with reality about my sewing.
My Body: My beautiful strong body that lets me sew and do everything fun gets a say in my schedule. I have perhaps learned this the hard way, but now I KNOW that I need to pause when I hear a little voice rather than a scream from my bod.
As mentioned above, I'm not managing my time correctly if I'm sewing so much that my arm, elbow, shoulder, neck, low back, ring finger, thumb, etc are hurting me. I must choose a task from a different to-do list instead.
I also need to pause to stretch, walk, and especially practice Hand Yoga. (Which I'm thrilled to share for free on YouTube) These pauses also lead to great creative insights, btw.
Big picture, a few winters ago I booked toooo many workshops, and I got sick, and never had the time to get healthy again. It was the worst, and I swore I'd never over-schedule myself like that again, and I've both been very healthy since then, and I've made more $.
Cycles: I've also had a lot to learn these last few years about cycles. That led to my Moon Improv Quilt Pattern, and to a big rule: On the first day of my cycle, I work as little as possible. I used to power through, and sometimes workshops are like magnets for this day, so I'm not saying I call in sick or anything, but I do make an effort to rest as much as I can. I also use the power of my cycle predicting app to 'try' to avoid scheduling things that week. It can be a time for me to be at home, sewing, talking less, and it's been very helpful for my overall wellbeing and productivity.
Efficiency: I love the nerdy pleasure of economy in the studio!
I often sew with 3 needles at a time so I can move my quilt less, and thread needles like an assembly line.
I love being strategically thrifty, since a penny saved is a penny I don't have to make time to earn. I do this most with fabric, cooking at home, mending my clothes, sewing my own clothes, and making handmade gifts. This also saves time on shopping, driving, and making decisions.
Paying, trading, or collaborating with professionals who do it faster and better than me. Delegating stuff and working with people who love what they do is awesome.
I'm working on reorganizing my space with the help of Kat, Lisa, and my sweetheart Beau. I'm setting up stations for certain activities because it takes a lot of time to be always getting out and putting away (or shoving things on the floor...)
Well, there may not be time to fit all this into my powerpoint for Friday, but it's here, and I'll be able to further hone this list so as to Make Time for the most important bits. Please comment on this blog post to let me know which of these ideas were the most interesting to you!! ⏰ (Or, add you own strategic tips in the comments too!)
