The Frustration of Procrastination.
It's impossible to ingest all the knowledge and do all the things. I need to be intentional.
The tortured artist.
The lost philosopher.
The Jack of All Trades, Master of None.
This is something that I’ve struggled with for a very long time. I suppose it’s because there are so many hats I want to wear. Am I a photographer, a woodworker, an artist, a designer, a film maker, a problem solver, a story-teller… or am I just playing at all these things while plugging away at a day job for a reasonable wage and attractive holiday package?
When I find time to be in my workshop, I’m present but a bit of my mind is whittering away that if it’s a nice day, I shouldn’t be working on this, I should be out getting more hours behind the camera, when I’m out with the camera not getting the things I want, I conclude that that I could be in the workshop finishing one of the many projects I have on the bench at the moment. When I’m at work… frankly I’d rather be doing anything other than what the computer tells me to do.
All this plays round and round and I become so knotted up as to all the directions I’m being pulled in, I end up staying entirely static.
You see what I mean?
There’s all the books that I have, waiting for me to read. The films and documentaries that I want to watch but where do you find a spare two hours in a day? Compound this with commuting, spending time with my significant other, running a life… the time I have alone to do my things gets shorter and shorter.
“If I didn’t have to go to work, I’d get so much more done” - that’s a ridiculous statement. I’d have to find employment because fannying about in the garage or taking snaps doesn’t pay the bills, and if they did I wouldn’t enjoy it, it would be the job.
”Find something you love, never do a days' work again” might work for some people, but twice I have started to monetise something I enjoy doing and almost instantly I started to resent it.
I do the things I do as a hobbies because my job is so mind-numbing and does not feed me creatively on any level. It’s the equivalent of shelf stacking. It requires so little brain power that a robot could do it. So little brain power I spend most of my working day in my head working out how I can use the hours on the clock to do my job but also be learning other things.
The frustration is real.
So I asked my good friend AI for some answers, and to be honest… I think they’re pretty good. I’m going to give this a try for a while and see if I can make some order out of the chaos.
Dealing with the frustration of not having enough time to engage with all your interests and projects is a common challenge. Here are some strategies that might help:
Prioritization and Planning
1. List and Prioritise: Make a list of all the books, films, and projects you want to engage with. Prioritise them based on what excites you the most or what you feel is most important right now.
2. Set Goals: Break down your list into manageable goals. For example, aim to read one book a month or watch two films a week. Setting specific, realistic goals can help you make steady progress.
Time Management
1. Schedule Dedicated Time: Allocate specific times in your week for these activities. Treat this time as an important appointment with yourself.
2. Use Small Chunks of Time: Fit smaller activities into short breaks or idle times. For instance, read a few pages during your commute or watch a short film during lunch.
Mindfulness and Acceptance
1. Be Present: Practise mindfulness to stay present in the moment. Enjoy what you are doing rather than worrying about what you’re not doing.
2. Accept Limitations: Acknowledge that it’s impossible to do everything. Understand your limits and be kind to yourself about what you can realistically achieve.
Balance and Flexibility
1. Balance Your Activities: Ensure you’re not overwhelming yourself. Balance your time between work, rest, and leisure.
2. Be Flexible: Allow flexibility in your plans. It’s okay if you don’t stick rigidly to your schedule. Adapt as needed without feeling guilty.
Quality over Quantity
1. Deepen Your Engagement: Focus on deeply engaging with fewer activities rather than skimming through many. This can lead to a more satisfying experience.
2. Savour the Process: Enjoy the process of reading, watching, or creating, rather than just the outcome. This can enhance your satisfaction and reduce frustration.
Reflection and Gratitude
1. Reflect on Achievements: Regularly reflect on what you have accomplished. This can help you appreciate your progress and reduce feelings of frustration.
2. Practice Gratitude: Keep a journal where you note down things you’re grateful for, including the small achievements and enjoyable moments.
Social and Community Engagement
1. Join a Group: Engage with book clubs, film discussion groups, or art communities. Sharing experiences with others can add value to your activities.
2. Share Your Progress: Talk about your progress with friends or online communities. This can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate you further.
By implementing these strategies, you can manage your time better, reduce frustration, and find more joy in the activities you do engage in. Remember, it’s not about doing everything but about finding fulfilment in what you do.