The trouble with self discipline
July 17, 2008
It’s very easy to get distracted. Procrastination is also something I’m fond of. So I like making lists to keep me on track. I am a huge list maker. Mostly because I have a horrible memory and nothing would get done if I didn’t write it down, but also because I like accomplishing things. I like doing things. I’m a doer. If I’m not constantly doing something I’m pretty much guaranteed to be contemplating what the point of is all is. So I like to keep moving. Black dogs and all that. Anyway, I like lists.
The problem with a list though is that all things on it are not equal. So if I’m looking at a list that says…
Wash dishes
Finish script draft
Mail screeners
Take car in to dealership
Read new script
Request so & so’s reel
Grocery shop
…It would be very easy to pick the four easiest, check them off and then relish in the sense of accomplishment that my day was not wasted. Hm. A few too many days of accomplishments like that may get me a job as a house cleaner or personal assistant, but I suspect they will not get me any closer to directing.
Ah well, looks like the house stays messy and the car headlight goes unfixed again this week. Back to work for me!
I hate lists. I had a personal coach to help me become more effective. He said I had to make a list each day of what I intended to do that day. I tried but I never finished the first list. How do you know when the list is done? The first thing on the list is “write today’s list”. I never get to item two because I never know when item one is done.
I hate lists. I fired my coach … and it wasn’t even on my list. Go figure.
Rob:-]
Lol! Yes, I hear your pain.
On the serious side though - I just use a 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ lined moleskine, which is great because it’s big enough to sketch in but small enough for my bag and has a great elastic so you can hold papers in it too. Basically, whatever I need to do I write next to a little box and as I get things done I ex off the boxes. That way it’s easy to scan through and only read the things still needing to be done.
I don’t know how I’d get everything done if I didn’t have my little book!