How to manage time and the anxiety of not making it ~
In 2018 I wrote how having changed my studio and daily routine made me more productive as an artist. That period and the following pandemic shutdown generated my most awarded works. I used to paint in the morning. Before that I used to feel overwhelmed.
At the Ikea business area
Over time my routine has changed. After breakfast I want to go out (my studio is at home) and feel the energy of the world. All winter I been computing in public places like the business area of the Ikea cafeteria, a lively but quiet and bright place (with free coffee).
Studio drink with art enthusiasts
Now I paint in the early afternoon, after cooking for my two high schoolers. My private in person class are scheduled in the evening, in addition to a couple of zoom mentoring session weekly. Twice a week I teach at the Milano Painting Academy.
Every other weekend I offer a Coffe with the Artist in my studio. Wonderful conversations on art and life, preview and feedback about my recent works and projects on the easel. Most of the times someone goes home with a painting she's fallen in love with!
Cooking and posting on social media
My time flow seems very fluid. Actually, even though I am Grand Master in the Todoist app, my schedule is still too busy. Keeping it simple is not a completely won battle! There are family obligations, medical care and control over finance.
Then there's that whole social media world that expects you to post, interact, read, advertise, subscribe, learn and strategize. And more personal communications like these Letters, I love to write for the most curious souls.
Family and other priorities
If you consider that I'm studying German, I try to meet friends for a billiard out, I have a 94-year-old mother and I like to travel (not to mention I want to start roller skating again, resume some music making) -- it's a big mess!
But over the years I have put together some criteria to simplify and prioritize my daily schedule. Use them if you want:
- Everything can wait ~ Except for your health, and that of your loved ones. Nothing is Urgent. Deadlines are ok if you can't wait to meet them. Don't feel guilty, the world will move on anyway!
- First the WANT-to-do things ~ That is, the Important Things, those that contribute to what you dream of being in life. When in doubt, ask yourself: does this action fuel my big goal or drive me away from it?
- Think NO by default ~ No opportunity is unmissable. Whether it's a festival or a commission, listen to your gut before you accept it. Don't fear the void, better things will fill that space. Likewise, let go people who never interact unless you reach out to them. You won't be alone, with them you are alone already!
- One thing at a time ~ Forget about multitasking! Immerse yourself in what you are doing here and now, before and after do not exist. Mute phone. (1. Everything can wait). You will call back later whoever is looking for you.
- Drop the pen ~ Set a timer for your task slot and stop as soon as it sounds. Within five minutes change scenario, regardless of your task completion. By changing place and action, the momentum remains fresh and you are likely to get time left over to make up.
- Who's to say what's good? ~ One thing that goes wrong can be a blessing. Think about how many people saved their lives by missing a flight.
- Last the MUST-do-things ~ Paying bills is mandatory but not important for us, (not our dream) it's important for them. The secret is prevent duties to become Urgent Things. Urgent Things are toxic to the Important Things. Marketing is necessary but not my big life goal! So I have chosen a form I enjoy doing: writing and talking.
- Delegate. It's not easy for an artist, economies can be limited. But don't stop looking for those who can do a piece of the process for you. And do it better.
- Keep your watch 7 minutes ahead ~ It's a relief to realize you're not that late!
In short, the only form of self-discipline I need in time management is giving priority to the things I can't wait to do. Do them, and stop in time, before I get carryed away. Choose the most fun way to do necessary things. Switch often to next scenario to keep momentum!
Please comment and let me know your experience about time management.
Happy Art Life! -- Francesco
