Friday Feature: How I Schedule My Week

I do a lot of stuff. In the past, I've allowed myself to get overwhelmed by the amount of things I have to do to the point that I don't even know where to begin. Being a listmaker, I decided it would be easier if I broke it down into sections. I used to break it down by time, but then my day was thrown off if I overslept or had to run an errand. My new schedule goes like this:

Monday

• One hour to check, respond to, write and organize messages.

• Balance my budget (however long it takes...usually around 10 minutes).

• One hour to work on filing (this could be physical files or digital...trying to streamline my PC files).

• Two hours to address my business to-do list (I have a Google Keep list of all outstanding tasks).

• Four hours of writing. I use this time to write all blog/Instagram/Facebook posts for the week. I schedule them through Hootsuite unless they include more than one image.

Tuesday

• One hour for messages.

• One hour to work on household chores (laundry, dishes, etc.)

• Two hours to address my personal to-do list (usually things like fixing a ripped seem or helping my daughter find scholarships).

• Four hours for art design and production. This is where I work on current commissions.

Wednesday

• One hour for messages.

• One hour to follow up with potential clients.

• Two hours to post completed work. This could include editing videos or adding items to my website.

• Four hours of design and production.

Thursday

• One hour for messages.

• One hour for household tasks.

• Two hours for personal to-do items.

• Four hours of design and production.

Friday

• One hour for messages.

• Balance my budget.

• One hour of work on my website.

• Six hours for education. This could be reading a book or taking an online course. I'm currently taking a Udemy course on how to use Blender (3D modeling software).

Saturday and Sunday

• One hour for messages.

• The rest of the day is "flex" time. I can do personal stuff or do nothing at all. If there were any items that I wasn't able to finish during the week, I add it to the weekend. For instance, last week, our air conditioner broke. Because of that, I wanted to spend as little time in the house as possible. On Friday, I didn't work on my class at all. Instead, I did the entire six hours on Sunday (in my nice, cool house).

I have it printed out and laminated. I use a sharpie to check off items as they are completed (I set a timer on my phone) or to write notes. At the end of the week, a little rubbing alcohol on a paper towel cleans it all away to start fresh.

So far, this schedule has worked really well for me. I'm not much of an early riser, so I often work into the night, but that's OK. As long as I get my work done, I'm happy. This schedule keeps me from getting overwhelmed and has also led to my house and office being a little tidier. I try to be somewhat flexible with it all. I've got several commissions on the books right now, so I may have to add some more design/production work over the next few weeks, which is fine with me because that's my favorite part!

(Maybe someday, I'll be able to hire an assistant to do all the other stuff.) ;)

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My Art is a Lie

Most artists will tell you that true art comes from within. And this is accurate. Unfortunately, many artists close the door to their inner artist in an effort to please the masses. I am 100% guilty of this.

I want to gain recognition. I want to be admired. I want to pay my bills. For these reasons, I take on commissions or do portraits of celebrities that I think people will want. While this is all well and good and I'd still rather be doing this than waiting tables or working in an office, it's not my truth.

I've had lots of ideas for art series or studies. Many of these ideas involve controversial topic such as sexuality, religion, the homeless, etc. I really want to make a statement with my art...but I'm scared. What if people don't like it? What if they judge me? What if they don't get it?

I see so many artists who don't appear to have such concerns. Many of them make waves, but it works for them. I've never been one to make waves. I am a people-pleaser. I'm a caretaker. I just want everyone to be happy.

But I need to be happy, too.

In my future artistic pursuits, I intend to unlock the door to my indifference and do what I want to do. Even as I write this, I'm terrified of what you will think. However, I've always believed in facing my fears.

So here we go....

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Friday Feature: Trump, Who?

I've never really enjoyed talking politics. Who does? I'm not even sure politicians enjoy talking politics. It usually results with people getting mad at each other because no one is willing to bend or see the other person's point of view. Nothing is resolved. Nothing changes. Unless you're actively involved in it, it doesn't seem to do anyone any good.

My boyfriend and I have opposing views on many topics. Early in our relationship, we just avoided them completely. As we've gotten to know each other better, we can discuss some of the hot topics, but I find that it just stresses me out.

So, for my own sanity, I've decided to retire from discussing politics. I'm not saying I'll totally tune out if I'm with a group of friends and it comes up. I just don't want to get into any heated debates about policies that I have no control over. I'll still vote and I'll still educate myself on current events and issues, but it won't be a huge priority in my life.

Instead, I'm going to focus on bettering myself. Instead of listening to NPR during the news segments, I'll listen to an empowering audio book. Instead of reading the news, I'll take an online class. Instead of engaging in heated arguments over who's puppet is better, I'll lift up my discussion partners by encouraging them to follow their dreams.

I'm sure I'll get plenty of folks who say I'm part of the problem by not being part of the solution. However, I think that if more people focused on bettering themselves instead of complaining about things they aren't actively trying to change, maybe we wouldn't have as many problems as we do. People would be happier and more content with themselves so they wouldn't have to project their insecurities on everyone else. I'm gonna give it a try and I'll let you know how it turns out. I encourage you to do the same. Peace.

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