I just couldn’t wait to get started!
I finished up a big client project and I wanted to use the freed up time for a writing project of my own. But I didn’t take account of needing some quality downtime between putting the client work to bed, and starting my own project.
When enthusiasm gets in the way of recognising we need recuperation time
For a long while, I’ve been meaning to edit a book I wrote some years ago. And I felt so enthusiastic about getting going with this that I thought I could flip straight from one project into the next.
Wrong! I didn’t reckon on how tired I’d feel when I finally finished the client work. It didn’t even occur to me that I needed to schedule some time out between these two big undertakings. Mark McGuinness mentions this in his book, Productivity for Creative People in which he divides the work of creative solopreneurs into three categories:
He classifies big project deadlines under the ‘events’ category - along with exhibiting, performing, attending or speaking at a conference, launching a new product or service, running a webinar or seasonal sale, applying for funding or residencies, and so on. Mark warns: “Because (events) consume a lot of energy, you need to allow time to prepare before and recuperate afterwards—one event after another is a recipe for burnout.” I tried to transition directly from a project deadline (event) to asset building (editing a book) but I hadn’t taken account of the fact that I would be tired! Lesson learned! I’ve got so much better at not juggling too many balls at once. So now it’s time to implement a new practice: Planning downtime between my projects. Rather than thinking of this time as ‘dead’ space, I need to recognise that this refuelling is important and necessary. It doesn't matter whether I spend the time prone on the sofa, strolling by the water or out seeing some art. It just needs to NOT be work! Do you schedule quality downtime?
What about you? Do you schedule white space between your major undertakings? Or do you stuff your calendar to bursting, only to hit burnout on a regular basis?
© Author: Cherry Jeffs Liked this post? Word of mouth is the main way for indie creators to get known. 
13 Comments
susanJOY Hosken
20/5/2019 07:58:07 pm
Cherry, I have rapid cycling bipolar which is heavily connected to my creativity. I have a month of super creative time with elevated mood which I call the "zippy me" and then I move into "quiet me" where my creating things with art etc stops and I become reflective and often down cast. Every cycle I look at better ways of managing and often the cycles change . sending you lots of love from susanJOY 22/5/2019 06:55:20 pm
Hi Susan, yes, we have to be constantly adapting as even relatively predictable cycles are subject to change. But using compassion and empathy towards our less energetic self when she shows, means that we can embrace our 'other' side. You've always been very good at that from what I've seen! 15/7/2019 07:08:12 pm
This is SO vital to our well being. I have to work really hard to plan and protect my family and downtime. I have a tendency to overdo it and then crash if I don't schedule this time FIRST when prioritizing... 23/7/2019 06:52:56 pm
Oh dear, crashing is definitely not good! I love that you schedule those priorities in first. That's a very sound idea. 15/7/2019 09:51:42 pm
I definitely have some work to do in the downtime area. I often just let it go to dead space rather than planning a fun outing, etc. Thanks for providing support and ideas for this important topic! 23/7/2019 06:56:59 pm
It's easy to do that if we're feeling over-stretched, Michelle. Sometimes the last thing we feel like is more commitments even if they're fun. Maybe it's a question of just asking yourself what you really feel like doing. It might be a soak in the bath. It's all valid as long as it ultimately makes you happy, relaxed and/or energised!
susanJOY Hosken
15/7/2019 09:57:40 pm
I accidentally unsubscribed from this post and don't know how to resubscribe without leaving a comment so here I am!! Yes, hugely important. I have named it “transition time” on my calendar. I find it especially relevant to consider the type of brain power for the scheduled tasks and the time of day. I try to do all the creative work in the morning and the admin work in the late afternoon. How much time do you schedule for the transition time between tasks Cherry? 23/7/2019 07:02:00 pm
I love that idea of scheduling transition time on your calendar, Dorothy! Leave a Reply. |
