This week is a doozy.
I am trying to get in some semblance of a routine -- part-time job, volunteer work, etc...
and ... I am trying hard to get my basement studio in order... which has flooded again.
>>sigh<<

Some days (weeks, years)... it seems like all you is run, run, run... on this never-ending hamster wheel... and wonder if anything is getting done. Deadlines come and go... opportunities missed...
it can be incredibly frustrating. I know it is for me.

One of the topics in this book I'm reading, called "Get it Done".... is on making lists.
NOW. I am a great "list maker" from way back.
I make lists of my lists. (no joke).
The catch here, according to the author, is to not only make a list... but to prioritize it.

For instance, if you've seen my lists... it seems endless... with no rhyme or reason it would seem... as to what task really is of more importance that it get done. Or urgency, as it were.
Once of the author's suggestions, is to make a chart instead of a list... with columns.
Like this:

Column 1: the item or task at hand

Column 2: how much time you think it will take to complete the task

Column 3: how much it will cost to do the task

Column 4: do you really want to do it? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being YES!

Column 5: ROI/ Return on Investment. Will this help things in the long run? will there be potential orders, further jobs, marketing, warm fuzzies... etc

The author gives an example of this list in practice by talking about how she usually make her won Christmas cards... but was feeling overwhelmed one year. She applied the columnar list idea above... and realized she really didn't have the time or the inclination to do it. She then gave an example of how she had come across a clipping to send to a client. She decided (based on her list) to mail it out quickly, and as it turns out... the client was pleased and offered her some additional business.
Now. Applying that to my art business... I can see where it could come in very handy.
Looking at projects in terms of time involved, money involved, inclination... and potential return on investment.
In short... I'm going to try it :)

~~~~~~~~~

on a complete aside...
The photo for today's post is one I took of the woods near my house on a walk the other day.
It was gorgeous. Slightly overcast... getting ready to rain... the wind was slightly blowing...
and it seemed everywhere I looked... there were these "doorways" made from fallen trees and branches. I'm trying not to read into it too much... but I feel like I am stepping into something wonderful here.