Letting Go Might Be a Good Idea

About the buzzing (no, I'm not hearing voices. Although I do talk to myself.) Judy G sent me a link to a blog post and poem that kick-started a new and illuminating way of looking at the problem.

Here's the thing: I actually have a pretty good organizational system, based on the GTD book. I have a master list of tasks and projects and ideas (neatly organized in Life Balance), with the projects subdivided into sequential tasks so that I always know what needs to be done next. I have a simple but efficient collecting system for new ideas and projects, and every Sunday I update the master list, review my priorities and set up a task list for the coming week, incorporating a careful balance of business/housework/family/personal well-being, etc. I have parallel checklist streams for daily routines and specific projects, duplicate reminder systems for important deadlines, and I regularly review and troubleshoot inefficiencies and things that aren't working. And stuff does steadily get done... so why don't I feel relaxed and in control?

In theory, writing everything down and regularly reviewing it is supposed to off-load it from my brain so that I can let go and focus on the present task, secure in the knowledge that nothing is forgotten. Except... I don't let go. There are around 1000 things on the master list at any given time, and I can get through 20 or 30 in a week (depending what they are), but I still carry the other 980 around with me as a black buzzing cloud of Not Done, humming nastily with undertones of shame and intermittent jolts of panic.

I suspect that might be the problem. (Not to mention the fact that chronic anxiety is a dreadful drain on productivity, due in large part to its contribution to social avoidance.)

So, while I have a go at mastering the Zen thing, want to see Square no. 2 ?

Comments on the project were very helpful:

Charles suggested moving the end of round join to a corner, which I did, with significantly improved esthetic results. 

Kathy pointed out that the blanket is likely to be very heavy - around 40 lbs (dry) by my calculations. In fact, I am hoping that its weight will help it stay in place under conditions of enthusiastic use. It obviously won't go in the washer very often, but beating and vacuuming and surface cleaning should be adequate for day to day upkeep (that's what the couch gets).

And... next on the task list: photographing the yarns for today's update. (FYI - there's a whole bunch of new and exciting sock colours.)

Comments

[Annepålandet]

Hm, sounds like your detailed planning takes a lot of time? I used to have detailed lists too, about everything I had to do at work and at home. It stressed me enourmously, and I didn't get anything done. Now I don't have any lists any more. I still don't get anything done - but I am much happier :D
Seriously, to let go is difficult - we just have to practice, and eventually we get better at it. "Balance" is a key word here, I believe.
Anyway, I like your blanket! Nice colors!

[marylou]

I did read that poem years ago, it made me laugh to re-read it, and see myself. Thanks.

[Charles]

Lookin' Nice!