Making lists and being over organized
I have been highly organized all of my life. I started with "to do" lists when I was a teenager. I even used to make lists of my lists. I create monthly, weekly, and daily lists. I cross off items as I go. I also create a new weekly list each Monday. I am one of those sick folks that actually looks forward to Monday mornings. I look at it as the beginning of a bright, shiny new week. But, with all this organization, there is a dark side. I feel that the more organized I have gotten, the more I have taken on. Also, others view me as so organized that they expect me to organize things for them! I have realized there are only 24 hours in a day. I want my life back. The happiest I have been in the last few years was when I was on vacation in Jamaica laying on the beach and staying in a room that did not have a phone or TV. I feel like a hamster on a wheel. Does anyone else feel like this? Also, does anyone have suggestions on ways I can step back from this rat race mentality?
Being so organized that it almost irritates people that surround me has made me stand up and ask myself what I am trying to prove. I always finished projects/readings, etc ahead of everyone in my college classes, not to impress people but because I always had this irrational fear that I wouldn't get it done on time. I have learned to organize things in such a way that I do it in a timely manner, but not in a way that makes me fear I won't get it done. I no longer pay bills the day they come, and I have learned to relax a little regarding my to-do lists. Some of my relatives actually made me realize how being super organized made me look a little bit eccentric. Getting tasks completed in a timely manner is important, but having a life is also important. I think i have a happy blend now.
Wow, say no really hits home. It is amazing how difficult it is to say no, but it is so necessary when comes to getting things done. I am still learning (after 20 years of teaching) how to say no. I just don't like not being able to help my students.
What I will do is let them know now is not the right time and invite them to schedule an appointment with me duting my office hours.
Cathleen,
I am an organized person and for awhile I, also, felt like a hamster on a wheel. It appears that organized people are in the minority, and I believe sometimes we are "dumped on", by less organized people, because they know we will get the job done. But now, my life is must less hectic, because I now prioritize and say, "no, I can not do it" when I am asked to do tasks that are not high priority for me, interfere with me getting high priority tasks done or are impossible for me to do in a short time frame. After I learned the word "no" and started saying it, a lot of pressure was lifted and my life was much less hectic. I could actually stop to smell the roses.
Kimberly, you are absolutely on target! Set priorities and learn to say no. It sounds easy, alathough sometimes it's very difficult--especially when we're not used to doing these things. But both work well and make life more do-able and pleasant. Thanks for sharing!
Cathleen,
I can relate to this. I also enjoy making lists and experiencing the sheer joy of crossing the things off the list. (Which is the whole point of writing the list)
It like the old saying you want something done ask a busy person. I found that others began to really take advantage of my ability to accomplish things. Two things helped me and I am working on the third which is putting down time (rest) on the to do list at least weekly.
1. Set Goals/priorities for life if what you are being asked to do although I might have time to do it . If it does not fit into my goals/priorities.. Free to say no even if I have time.
2. Say No. Often it inspires others to step up when they normally would not. Remember you set your own schedule.
hope this helps
Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts Cathleen. I have met many instructors in your situation. You are right about the down side of being organized, causes people to feel comfortable giving you more work.
It sounds like your vacation time - away from TV and phone - really worked for you. I might recommend scheduling more time like that. You don't have to go to Jamaica to get away though. Sometimes, just making a point to turn off a phone ringer or data device for a little while is the quickest way to unwind.
