Read the text and do the tasks after the text: пустоJanuary is a new phase of life for many people It’s that time of year — January
— when the pages of life are once again fresh and new and they are just waiting to be
written upon. Many people use this turning of the calendar year to look back on
what they have done and forward to what they hope to accomplish. Some make
resolutions, while others, like me, make plans. пустоThe way I plan my life
January is the time of year when
I like to consider what I want to accomplish within the next year; however,
planning is not an activity that is unique to January for me. In fact, I make
writing plans on a monthly and weekly basis. Part of my productivity wall —
these are the little calendars for the first ninety days of the year. пустоMy purposes
On my wall, above my desk, I have
three small monthly calendars on and under which I list my writing/editing
projects that are to happen in each month. As a month concludes, I remove
the old month and add in a new month, shifting everything over. Next to
that, I have what I call my “big rocks” chart. пустоA story of priorities: start with an easy tasks
Have you ever heard the
illustration using a jar and rocks, pebbles, and sand? It’s a kind of
visualization. First one should list the tasks from most to least
important. Then associate these with rocks, pebbles, and sand. The biggest rock
being the most important task. And sand being the minutiae. Also, let’s imagine
a jar as your day, timeframe, or project timeline. Filling a jar with the sand
first is easy. It falls right in. But what about the pebbles and rocks? The
pebbles still fit but when it comes time to add the larger stones, the task
becomes practically impossible. The jar overflows and the biggest rocks do not
fit. Small, unimportant tasks are attractive. They are easy to complete. And
are usually the most enjoyable. But can consume your day. Starting with the
easier tasks may make the day more fun. But at the end of the day, your most
important work is left largely untouched. Pushed back until tomorrow.
Knowing all to well, tomorrow never truly comes. пустоDo the right thing
Adding the biggest rocks first is
hard. You have to look at their size and figure the best plan of attack for
fitting them all in. It’s a struggle to piece them together, but it’s possible.
And then comes the pebbles. The jar needs to be shaken occasionally. But they
fit. Finally, the sand can be dumped in. Easily, the sand slides between the
rocks and pebbles. Magically, the rocks and pebbles as well as all of the sand
now fits into the jar. Your most important tasks are usually the most taxing.
They require additional brainpower. Or they may be the least enjoyable. But
these tasks are also the most productive and profitable. In this strategy, the
mid and low priority tasks are put by the wayside. Confronting them only if
there is time. And as a result, your day will be amazingly successful. Every
time you are faced with a large workload, remember: Rocks first, pebbles
second and if there is time, fill your jar with sand. The big rocks on my chart
are the categories that I believe to be vital to running my author business. пустоPlanning is my usual activity
I have several aims for this
year. My first goal is to do a better job organizing my receipts each month
instead of waiting to do it in January. Then I plan to read “Sense and
Sensibility” this year. Yes, I have only slotted one book for the year. I may
end up reading more, but this is the one I wish to spend time with over the
year. My third goal is to publish six to eight books. I am also planning to take
a step into some new writing areas.
(http://austenauthors.net/making-plans-giveaway/, http://blog.bradleygauthier.com/jar-rocks-pebbles-sand/)