Summer Off: Plan for Productivity

Have you ever noticed that it almost seems that the more you do, the more you can do? I mean, when I was working (really working, full time, full hours, overnight business trips, etc), I seemed to get so much more done. I would be out the door for a morning run or bike ride before 6:00 a.m. I'd do my "8 minute abs" workout, eat a healthful breakfast of yogurt and berries before getting into work. I'd work a full day, stop for groceries on the way home, and cook a decent dinner. I would also usually get in a gym workout at least two days a week after work.

So, it stands to reason that, since I only work short hours on a part-time type of schedule, I would have achieved so much more, right? Not so. In fact, I'm twenty-five pounds heavier now, I eat rather poorly, and, despite the fact that I've been off work for about one month now, today was the first day that I managed to get myself out for a run.

I have noticed that this is a trend - at the busiest times of my life, I am more productive and get it all done. At quieter times in my life, when I have ample time, I seem to have less...motivation or energy or, whatever.

So why is this?I think it's because having so much time partially lulls me into a sense of complacency, a feeling of "I'll do it tomorrow, I've got all day!". And partially, I think it's not having a schedule, not having to schedule things into my day or week means everything gets pushed back until I don't know where to begin, and so, I simply don't begin.

Okay, I don't want to beat myself up. We all know that self-recrimination and regret is futile at best, and destructive at worst. And in truth,  although I haven't been super productive, I am pleased by the things that I have gotten done so far, and I have a clear vision for more things I want to achieve over the next two months.

Armed with my vision and my self knowledge, I will accomplish these items!

To Do, To Do

• front yard garden - pull up the nasty plants, get some nicer ones in there
• back yard garden - weed it!
• lead hikes (ongoing)
• eat better
• exercise more regularly
• get back into photography

DONE!

• I have led and will continue to lead group hikes in Gatineau Park
• I planted a nice garden in my back yard - tomatoes, celery and onions
• Got my dental stuff taken care of