Clarity of mind

Numbers are not my strong point. But sometimes they are really helpful.

There has been a lot going on recently - a lot Printed by the publisher, A lot of work on the ship, a lot of new things, a lot of decisions. Quite a lot.

This morning I did what I always do when I want to sort myself out. I write. On slips of paper - and wonder if that's where the word "bogging down" comes from.

I first wrote down all the major tasks, seminars and projects that are due by the end of the year on individual pieces of paper.

I then sorted them by topic - from left to right:  Ship - Publisher - Writing - Training - Volunteering - Project ideas. The big things in my life. 

And then I wrote on the individual pieces of paper how many hours they would take. The result: 400.

Then I counted the weeks until Christmas: 10.

And then I calculated: 400 : 10 = 40 - even without a calculator.

I realise that 400 hours in 10 weeks just for big projects is not an option. In Sam, my Online course for work organisationI recommend planning a maximum of 50% of time, because unforeseen things always happen.

The solutions

• Cancelling / moving: It's actually difficult with the current projects. Because some things - such as investing in the optimisation of the publishing house - simply can't wait.
• Partly work on Saturdays. I try to avoid that, but I can do it for 1-2 months. I'll do some of that at seminars and also on the boat. That's ok. Today I spent two hours answering emails.
• Delegate. Think even more about who I can give what to. So that I can concentrate on the things that are really important.
• Pray: Asking God for wisdom on how to approach something. This is a prayer that he answers surprisingly often.
• Reward: Keeping a diary of the projects and hours I've already invested in them. Tally sheets and green packets really do motivate me. But of course, I'm especially motivated when the tasks I've tackled actually materialise.

And at least the maths is working.