How do you get shit done in a pandemic when you are just not feeling it? Looking around, we are all kinda feeling like this guy here in K.C. Greene’s “On Fire”. Our minds internally screaming, not sure how to proceed next. Now the news is warning of another possible lockdown, travel bans, and three new variant viruses that the new vaccine may or may not work against.
You know what? Fuck being productive. You HEARD me. FUCK being productive! If you are not feeling it, then don’t do it. My mother use to tell me, “If the spirit isn’t in you (desire), don’t force it. The painting will come out wrong or worse. You’ll mess it up and then you have only yourself to blame. Walk away from it and come back with fresh eyes.” So I am telling you to STOP. Take a break. A time out. Whatever.
I am saying this because I am seeing everyone, not just creatives, being affected with burn out or as the media is calling it pandemic fatigue.
- Time Management – Get a physical calendar. Don’t use a digital one for this. Here’s why. Writing down something physically forces your meat brain to remember and be held accountable. If you set it up in a high traffic area like the kitchen or front door, the better for you to pass it when you have an idea, a goal, or a reminder before it disappears into the ether that is life. It allows easier access than thumbing through your phone trying to get to an app causing only to go off in tangents. You can strategize and map full plans and course of action because it’s all right in front of you. Daily planners are great for micro-managing time to the minute when your days are packed with meetings and shoots. When working, do 20 to 30 min intervals. Afterwards, break for 10 to 15mins. Set a gentle timer. It will keep you focused and on task.
2. Finish What You Started – Finish old projects quickly and release the ones that don’t serve or no longer resonate with you. Do not bury them or put on the later pile. This will build resentment causing creative blocks to stack up. Eventually you’ll find yourself hitting a wall, experiencing work fatigue and eventual burn out. Set clear realistic goals and divide the short term vs long term!
3. The Power of Lists – I vehemently believe in moving mountains by the stroke of a pen. It just works. “So as it is written so shall it be done!” Make lists. Daily stuff at first since it’s the simplest. Once the task is completed, cross it off. It’s that easy. You’ll find it satisfying seeing things being accomplished in real time. It’ll boost your self esteem and productivity. You’ll also find crossing things off will go faster after the first two tasks.
4. Art Dates – Set up play / self care dates for yourself. There’s only one you. Productivity (like the cult of busy-ness) is something our society has bought into. Learn the art of leisure to renew and refill the creative well. Watching TV or playing video games is not leisure. Your time is a commodity to companies. Try reading a book, playing elaborate board games with friends and family, acting out a play with your children (if you have any), building a model, etc. Have you notice thanks to technology it’s become more difficult to read anything due to short attention spans? Tech has trained us this way. Learn sensuality – the art of taking your time on things and enjoying it. You probably wolf down your food and don’t give it a second thought, don’t you? Slow down. The bills will always be there. Even after you’re dead.
5. Pray, Meditate & Exercise – Prayer and meditation are like a mental palette cleanser. These anti-activities allow you to take emotional and mental loads off by focusing on the here and now and surrendering to something higher (whatever that means to you). We obviously know exercise is the healthiest thing you can do besides eating right. But most of us were working in a sedentary life style already and now thanks to the pandemic even more so. A lot of people gained weight during the lockdown months. I was one of them. I went from 230 to 250 lbs in a few short months. In July, I started Weight Watchers because I didn’t like how I felt. Low energy, tired all the time, body aching like I had the flu. I am now at 225 lbs and dropping. I take vitamins, watch what I eat, and drink more water than I ever have before. I also want to add seeing a therapist during this pandemic has been vital. I recommend calling your health insurance and seeing what options they offer to get the metal health care you need during this time. We have all lost loved ones this year and are still fresh with hurt. Seek help. Don’t keep quiet about it.
Here are some things I have implemented in my life to keep myself focused, happy, healthy and sane. I hope this help you dear reader. Please also check out my previous blog post on social media consumption if you like this one.