Time for Self-Discipline

I'm a procrastinator.  I have given myself a lot to do (home renos, huge garden and grounds with many flower beds, Master Knitter, sewing projects,knitting projects......). I tire myself out thinking about it.  Kubota Man says I tire him out when I think out loud about it.

So now, more stuff has been added:  twice daily exercises prescribed by the physiotherapist and twice weekly physio appointments where I'm away for 1/2 a day. And my personal goal of prayer and scripture study.

The first clue that a key element in this is self-discipline, is that I can manage to find lots of time to play on the computer (they are little spurts, but add up).

That takes me back to when I was teaching:  in the classroom there were schedules to keep everything going in a smooth flow.  I had to set short-term and long-term goals. At home, I had a schedule for myself and family for days off, to get the chores done, and still have leisure time.  It was when I retired that I started this popcorn way of doing things:  a bit here, distracted by something there--always very busy, things are getting done, but without organization, nothing got totally finished.  Of course, some of the things are seasonal and influenced by the weather.

So, September is a new year (school year), there are organizers readily available, and I will pretend my life is like in the classroom--by organizing most of my time, I will give myself more free time, and still get lots of stuff done.

I will start with my "curriculum"--the "subject areas" where things need to get done.  Then the terminal goal/date will be set, and a breakdown (plan of action) set up--the individual tasks (daily lessons).

A binder with dividers for "subject areas", must not forget to predict if I need any materials or tools to get this done, and make sure they are available.  And a plan for assessment--did the goals get met this week? What helped them get met?  What got in the way of not meeting them?  What needs changing (called monitor-and-adjust).

Without the plan, today I managed to get the final 3 closet openings (which go right to the ceiling) blocked to support the crown moldings, which will go across the entire wall, including the closet openings. I had painted the blocks already. Today I mounted them and re-mounted the door tracks.
Next I will cut down the bi-fold doors (because they have to clear the crown moldings). That 1.5" that I have to cut off will remove the framing block in the doors;  I've had the new blocks made and pre-drilled for a couple of years.  Then the doors have to be re-stained and re-varnished.

Tomorrow it's off to the city for a dental appointment.  I will stop on the way at the recycling depot and leave behind the recycling materials--the #1 plastic clam shell boxes from fruit take up so much room--rarely are they the same size.  And the newsprint!!  And it's time for a major Costco run. 

I'm excited about making the plan and scheduling the major "to-do" activities.

But maybe this plan is just another procrastination.