“Brick by brick, buildin’ a wall that no one could break
Flip by flip, glad I could help so you could be straight”
– Will Smith on Joyner Lucas’ “Will (Remix)“
Whenever it seems like there’s too much on your plate, or you’ve got so many tasks that it gets overwhelming, it helps to break things down into smaller things. Otherwise, that feeling can take over and drown you. I’ve struggled with this a lot over the years, and I’m trying different methods to manage projects better. So, let’s talk about it!
Before we do though, I first wanna say welcome! Welcome to the Ajaxxx.com May 2020 Opinions Column. For those that are new to the site, this is the place where I talk about whatever’s going on within my mind. For those returning, welcome back! And with that said, let’s talk about what I mean by “little by little”, especially in regards to making these moves.
So listen, I have often struggled with juggling projects, especially when I have so many. I’ve tried different things – lists, spreadsheets, and of course, trying to remember it all in my head. While some of the techniques mentioned have helped, it seems like I still have a tough time getting everything done and then things linger and never get done. I’ve talked a lot about prioritizing, collaborating, and other helpful tips, but lately I’ve been trying another approach – breaking tasks down into smaller, bite-sized steps. Lemme explain!
So, one thing I’ve often done is try to get projects done in one day. Or, I spend maaaaaaad time on one project, and then neglect the other 50 items on my to-do list. What ends up happening, then? I feel a sense of unfinishedness (is that a word? Lol), where many things are still lingering. So when that happens, then what? I start to get anxiety, overthinking all 49 things that I hardly touched that day. I’ve done it like this for awhile, which is maybe why things get neglected.
For example, let’s take my album. Instead of working on it little by little every day, I work on it whenever I have free time. That’s not a good idea, and it’s proven not to work. How is that? Cuz the album is still pending (and has been for years), where other areas of my life are moving forward. That imbalance, then, is not working and causing areas of my life to suffer. I’ve been thinking about this a lot, especially as I get older, and so I’m finally making changes.
So what are you doing, ‘Jaxxx?
Well, I’ve shifted my approach a bit. Instead of working on 2-3 projects per day, I’m expanding it to like 8-9. And, I set aside time in my calendar for EACH project. That way, everything is getting love, instead of just the most important ones. For example, from 8-9 I’m working on a website, then from 9-10 I’m working on YouTube, and from 10-11 I’m working on music. Those small, subtle changes have made huge change in my life. I’m able to be more productive and positive, all while reducing my anxiety!
The trade-off? I’m not getting as much done each day. But that’s ok, cuz technically I am. And by taking on (and pushing forward) many projects, I don’t feel like I’m putting all my eggs in one basket. It’s the first time in MONTHS where I’m spending real time on the album. It’s an absolutely exhilarating feeling.
So when it feels like you’re stuck, or you’ve got too much to do, it helps to break things down into smaller pieces. That “distribution of balance”, if you will, has really helped me a great deal. Hopefully it helps you too!
And with that said, I’ma be out, y’all. Stay up, stay safe, and hold ya head. Ajaxxx signing out, PEACEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
