Monday, February 04, 2013

The Joys of Multitasking

Image credit: blogs.babble.com
These days, I'm wearing many hats. From the minute I wake up, to the minute I flop down on my bed (usually) at night, I am doing several things at the same time. Writing stuff for new novel and other projects, marketing stuff for current novel, looking after a toddler, running a small business, catching up on reading, social networking, keeping up with house chores and other responsibilities, etc. It's mostly fun, but it can be overwhelming sometimes. Just ask any working mum how she juggles all the things she has to do in one week. 

So at the beginning of this week and this month (hi there February, you crept up on me), I set myself some new targets. Must do another few thousand words on WIP. I must finish writing that short story. Must write that flash fiction I promised to send to the magazine. Must eat healthy and fit in exercise. Must read that novel and review it, the author has been waiting since November...

Fast forward to today, and I feel like I haven't achieved a single thing all week. I'm sure I must have done some things, maybe I just don't think it's significant enough. Sure I looked after an active toddler all day, everyday and managed to send a few emails here and there, but I'm seriously slacking on my writing goals. It's not like I haven't tried to write. In fact, yesterday I was feeling guilty for not writing, so I sat at my desk, ignored the noise around me and forced myself to write. But by the time I finished and looked at what I'd written, it didn't make sense at all. I gave up and went to do other things instead.

I think trying to do several things at the same time can sometimes be counter-productive. It becomes difficult to focus on one thing and get that done. There are times when my head feels so full of "things-to-do" that I actually prefer to shut down and just read a book instead. I'm realising that I need to find a more efficient way to organise my tasks each day, so that I make the best use of my (limited) writing time. It's alright to set goals and targets, but there's also a need to check how they are working out for me in my day-to-day activities.

How are you doing with the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year?

4 comments:

  1. New to your blog and I quite like the blurb for your latest book, 'Nothing comes close' may have to add the book to my list of must reads this month. I totally get what your saying about being a parent and trying to fulfil your 'goals'. I suggest you just break down your goals into realistic parts. What can you realistically do in one day with an active toddler that is dependent on you? You may only have time to write a few paragraphs but they are rich and meaningful. Also you may have to scale back and prioritise. Do you really need to submit a short story to a magazine? Why not invest that time and creativity into your up and coming novel and use the spare time to read other books to expand your horizon? Plus celebrate and be thankful to God for the bite size (but effective) goals you have been able to achieve. Remember, dont despise the day of small beginnings. Small does not mean insignificant. Finally reward yourself for meeting that tedious deadline or writing the last line to that much needed chapter...it doesnt have to beak the bank but its just your personal way of acknowledging the fact that you have reached a milestone. Mmmmm...maybe paint your nails, buy a new glossy magazine, bake a cake or buy yourself that little treat that makes the whole week worthwhile! Hugs****

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    1. Thanks for your insightful comment Gift2009. You made a lot of sense. I appreciate it :)

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  2. Hi, i am new to your blog even though i have liked your Facebook page for a while now. I am glad i have this opportunity to tell you what a fantastic writer you are! You inspire me in so many ways than one And i am discovering my gift of writing all over again because of you. I would really like to be mentored by you.

    As for your write-up above, i think you should plan make ahead but take each day as it comes. Granted things may not always work out as planned, but i am sure you will still have victories to celebrate everyday. Cheers.

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    1. Thank you Priceless Sofiya, I appreciate your kind comment.

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