So, I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately. I just finished Fast Track Photographer (the first of what will likely be many reads), I’m reading Your Money or Your Life now (again, the first of many reads). I discovered The Art of NonConformity, ZenHabits, Productive Flourishing, and Go Healthy Go Fit. I even watched The Last Lecture.
I’m a list-maker by genetic disposition – really. I’m not to blame for my actions. You should see my grandmother.
So now with all these inspirations and guidance and prodding to be the best that I can be — all I want to do is get started and my ‘to do’ list is over flowing with goodness and inspiration and brainstorming and projects and trips and and and …
But — I have to be honest with you all — if you didn’t know already, I have a ‘day job’ outside of photography (I leave the house at 130p and get home around 1130p).
My ‘to do’ lists can only be for about 5ish hours worth of the day, because 10 of my hours involve commuting and working for someone who is not me.
And I just want to say …. it is hard.
It’s hard to get up early to write that novel I’ve always intended, when I don’t get home until almost midnight.
It’s hard to get involved in a project, when I know I only have to put it down and leave soon.
It’s hard to finish editing a wedding, when I know I also have to do the laundry and grocery shopping and remember to eat lunch all before I go to work.
That’s all. It’s just hard. There are so many books I want to read, projects to start, projects to finish, business to take on, husbands to care for (ok, just one husband. But he’s a high-priority).
I just need a cheerleader or two. 
3 Responses to “the to-do list”
Trust me, I get how hard it is. It’s amazing that you’re doing everything that you are.
Is there a way that you can a) segment your workflow so that you’re working on one thing per day – thus maximizing the 5 hours you do have or b) firewalling your creative time so that you do the heavy lifting during that time and the sideline/overhead stuff when you’re not at your peak?
Put one awesome thing on your list today before you put the other stuff; do that one awesome thing first. At the end of the day, you’ve done (at least) one awesome thing, which is more than a lot of folks do in a week.
Sorry, I can’t fit into my cheerleading outfit anymore without it being embarrassing. (I actually was a cheerleader in high school.)
You are already doing more than many people on this earth, but I understand the feeling of not getting to do what you are hoping to do. I think it happens to the most disciplined of us at times. I will say that I hated it when I had to work evenings too (when I was waitressing). I always had that dread of work looming over me and it was hard to start on anything knowing that I had to stop. I much prefer getting up and out to work first thing in the morning and having the rest of the day to do what I want. Of course, now the issue is getting moving after I get home. Once I sit down, it’s hard to get up and physically do much, but if I keep moving from the time I get home, then I can accomplish things. I’ve also found that on the days that I’m off, I have to get up and keep moving. I don’t stop to eat or read the paper or check email or anything because as soon as I land somewhere, I find it hard to get up again. I will say that I’m so proud of all that you’ve accomplished in your young life. You’re doing a great job. Someday, when you and Andrew are on closer to the same schedules that should help too.
What is your novel about?