I’ve been on a non-stop roller coaster ride since I started teaching at IUPUI nearly two months ago. This ride is very fun and very addictive. However, I don’t sleep much, I read constantly, and I am always looking for new things to do that relate to my classes. I feel an abrupt stop coming on. I know I can’t continue this forever, but how can I maintain this momentum without burning out?
Why is it that when I get into something, some new activity it’s a 100% commitment? Why not 50%, or even 75%. That way I could easily add other items to my agenda and get more done!
For example, last night I read article after article, wrote page after page of notes, on the subject of Music Marketing. (I also prepared a lecture and wrote a quiz) I love checking out the blogs of Music Think Tank, Think Like a Label, Bob Baker, Seth Godin and DIY Musician (CD Baby), to name a few. The information out there these days is INCREDIBLE! I’m taking notes, figuring out how to implement all these techniques into my life as an independent freelance musician. Then I think to myself:
“Self”, I say.
“Yeah me?”, I respond
“When are you going to practice your trombone?”
I pause, “Ahhh…”
“And when are you going to grade those quizzes, prepare for lectures, write the mid-terms and finish all those tunes you need to 
write and how about laundry?”, I go on.
Well…
There are lots of things that need to be done and sometimes there isn’t time to do them all, but hey, I’m doing the best I can and that’s all I can ask of myself. I don’t want to get buried under the details. As long as I can get something accomplished to further my career each day, I will consider that a success. Some days, simply getting out of bed, practicing and doing what I have committed myself to doing is a goal. Other days, it seems I’m only limited by the hours in the day! So, I take one day at a time, one project at a time…which reminds me, I need to head to class!
Quick question:
How do you stay organized? Do you use To-Do lists? What does successful mean to you? What does a successful day look like to you?
Mythical 5th Position 
I love lists! In fact, my hubbie got me a mouspad that doubles as a notepad for christmas just so I didn’t have to look for stickynotes (although, I still use stickynotes). I find the best way to stay organized is to give everything a place, and put everything away when I am done whatever I’m doing. Don’t leave cluttered tests and grading out overnight. I swear that stuff breeds like bunnies. 😀
I think success is enjoying at least 70% of whatever I did that day AND having enough money to pay all of my bills, with a little bit left over for fun stuff. It sounds like you are enjoying yourself thoroughly. I hope it continues!
I hear you on the ‘breeding like bunnies’ paperwork! I have been trying to keep things put away so when I wake up the last thing I want to see is a pile of papers to be read and graded!
I’ll look for the mousepad that doubles as a notepad! I can get behind that!