Units of Time
“I find the key is to think of a day as units of time, each unit consisting of no more than thirty minutes. Full hours can be a little bit intimidating and most activities take about half an hour. Taking a bath: one unit, watching countdown: one unit, web-based research: two units, exercising: three units, having my hair carefully disheveled: four units. It’s amazing how the day fills up, and I often wonder, to be absolutely honest, if I’d ever have time for a job; how do people cram them in?” – About A Boy
It’s not that I don’t have enough to do… It is more like my life lacks structure, allowing me to spend hours puttering around the web, reading RSS feeds and generally ambling the wavelengths. Then around 3pm I’m surprised by the time and realize I need to get going on making dinner. Presto, another day gone by with little to show for it.
I’m taking a note from About a Boy. It is all about structuring my time, setting reasonable goals and being realistic about time frames. Today I’ve made a short list of items that I should be able to accomplish in this day. Tomorrow I might take a stab at assigning units of time to my daily list.
Thanks for the tip about the oars (I think that might work!)
But about time … oh boy… when I was unemployed, I could waste away a day. It was too easy. I think you need structure otherwise you could fall into a trap. If you had a project or something to be working on then you might be able to work your time better. Are you looking into freelance stuff in Atlanta? Not that I want you to work, but sometimes that helps. Good luck!
Comment by rosie — September 22, 2005 @ 11:17 am
checking email. 1 unit. sometimes 2. sometimes 6:)
i know that feeling well. i get this way on the weekend, actually. especially sunday. when i get antsy like that I go for a drive and it calms me down. my latest phrase: “my mental health is worth $3/gallon”.
you will get a routine soon. takes a little time, as you know!
Comment by Lnet — September 22, 2005 @ 11:49 pm