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Well, I’m ready!
This is a big week! I begin working on a project that is very important for a number of reasons and has run into obstacle after obstacle for the past three (YIKES!) years! I have put myself in a financial position that will allow me to treat this project as if it is a full time job. Of course, finances will be very tight, but ultimately I believe it will be worth it. I have produced a work schedule and have either weekly or bimonthly goals, depending on the aspect of the project being focused on, and plan on working for forty hours each week on it. As each goal is reached, that week ‘s (or two) of work will be submitted for review. Ultimately, the whole thing should be finished and ready to go sometime in October. Actually, the whole thing will be sent in for review by the end of September, but it will take time for it to be reviewed – and then there might be final revisions needed.
With all of these preparations, you would think that I have this thing all figured out . . . but here is the thing . . . while I have managed to eliminate many of the things that have interfered with my ability to work on and complete this project, there is one thing that I have not been able to remove. What could that be, you ask? Frankly, it is the demands of family. In the past, I have tried very hard to make sure that the needs of family are met while putting boundaries in place. Things like saying, “Ok, I can help you do ________ until noon, and then I need to work on my revisions.” This has proven to be ineffective because that deadline is not respected and I have been a wimp and not enforced it.
So, here is where I need the help. Anything that anyone out there can do to help me to be firm in my resolve to work on this project for forty hours a week and not allow family demands to step all over my goal would be greatly appreciated. I find it difficult to set these kinds of boundaries (which is funny, because I am quite good at it in other situations!). It is my hope that my family will respect my need to complete this project – but I also need to be prepared if they do not. The fact is, this is pretty much the last chance I will be given to finish this – if I don’t manage to stick to this last schedule – well, you get the idea.
Keep me in your thoughts and prayers over the next few months and I will most likely keep you posted (after all, how can I not blog about this if that is my main focus!).
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8 comments:
It's hard to establish boundaries when family members are not used to them. Hopefully, as you say, they will respect your need to complete this project and try not to make too many demands. 40 hours does seem a bit much to me though. Do you think you might be pushing yourself too hard? If it's a project such as a book, perhaps that many hours will be too tiring on the eyes. Just don't wear yourself down to the point where you lose interest.
Mary
By the way, I commend you on taking on your project and in no way are trying to put a whammy on it. I realize I may have come on a bit negative. I can read in your words how important this is to you and want you to give yourself the best chance to succeed. I'm wishing you all the luck in the world.
Mary
I am really looking forward to hearing more about your project!
I think it's a good idea to let family know how important this is to you - while assuring them they are not less important - just that you need their support in order for you to succeed. Feeling like they are a part of your success may help them understand the time you have to put in.
Are you able to take your project outside the home and work in a separate quiet location? If so, try this. They can't monopolize your time if you're not there.
Good luck :)
will keep you in my thoughts. I so understand where you are coming from. If you read my post for tomorrow you will know exactly what I am talking about... you can do it...
I agree with Halloween Spirit; why not work outside the home?
Whichever way you choose to roll, here's wishing you good luck! You'll have my thoughts to support you. :)
Thanks for all the well wishing! It is greatly appreciated. Halloween Spirit and RA . . . unfortunately, I am not able to take everything I need to another location just yet -- but as I get to the later revisions that are less involved I might be able to get away with it occasionally -- then I will just have to find a quiet, comfortable spot for me and my computer! Great thought! Thanks!
like any project, putting in the [uninterrupted] time is essential, so family must be told to respect your wishes and what the consequences you face will be if not allowed to complete your job
you may have to do your writing late at night and early in the morning, if possible, but that could interfere with sleep time, and that is never good to miss
four months is a reasonable time frame to request, but will not be easy... nothing in life truly is; easy, that is
blessings to you and yours....
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