Goals for Week of Oct 15th, 2012

Whenever faced with a huge project at work, I have to break it down into smaller pieces in order to not just stay on track, but to also keep some sense of sanity ( which in all honesty is a highly debatable state). So, it's only natural that I take this rather large task ahead of me now and try to break it down into more manageable chunks - and hopefully this will keep me from getting too crazy.

But, before I get into those, I like to give my week a theme; something for me to chew on during the week, something that might strike a chord when I'm starting to feel pissy. Lately, I've been posting these on the fridge, at eye level above the water dispenser. Just in case I need a nudge. Or/And just in case any one else might find some truth in it for themselves. You never know. For this week, the birth of a new process and project, this one seems only fitting:

"Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending." - Carl Bard

Alrighty, that will do it! Here's this week's goals:

1. Figure out how Scrivender works. I realized that straight typing out my novel onto a word-type doc, juggling multiple story lines, plots, etc might not be the best way to handle it, so I looked into software that organizes all this already. I chose Scrivender and it has quite a lengthy tutorial. So, before I can do much, I'd better figure out how to optimize this sucker.

2. Nail down the story's premise. I have a good, basic idea, but it needs to be fleshed out so I can understand what I've got.

3. Begin "bare-bones" character sketches. I don't need to get too involved yet, but I'll need to get a basic idea of who I'm going to be spending time with. Very soon I'll be getting to know these guys more and figure out how they affect/interact with each other.

4. Exercise 2-3 times this week. This is going to be really important for me. This is where I can let loose a bit, release some stress and hopefully avoid the dreaded migraines

5. Focus at work so I don't have to work more than 8 (ish) hour days. Off time is precious

6. Go on my "Artist's Date". This is a concept from Julia Cameron that simply states that in order to be creative, you really need to go have a little fun by yourself. I never understood how I could want to be with my loved ones so much, but really need just a short time on my own, doing something that I simply enjoy. Sounds slightly stupid, but I can whole heartedly say that an hour or so a week on my own has made a huge difference. For example, I skipped my "date" last week and by Saturday, I was so drained and exhausted. Sunday I took myself to a local farm that I've wanted to go to every fall, but kept putting it off. The bright colors of the leaves, pumpkins, corn against the cloudy sky; the sounds of some old dudes singing Van Morrison and a slightly inebriated couple dancing along, the smells of barbecue and pumpkin doughnuts, a jug of apple cider and an drive through the most beautiful countryside around and I was absolutely invigorated. It doesn't take long, but it's important!


7. Figure out how to watch The Walking Dead. Sorry, I'm not a high-falutent artist, I have weaknesses! And this is one that's going to be tough for me next month. I LOVE this show! The story and characters are fantastic. But, we got sick of paying $100 a month for TV, so we now have rabbit ears, which work great to watch the Voice (another indulgence, but one I can skip if need be). We have Hulu so I'm really hoping that it will show through there. Otherwise, I'm getting a dang cable to hook this here Mac up to the TV and I'm going to watch some good old fashioned Zombie killing with my family!

So, there it is. These things I hold myself accountable for. If I don't stay on top of the little pieces, time's likely to run away from me, laughing in that dang maniacal way that it does when I procrastinate. And I hate that!