NickVenturella.com 10-8-20 - The breakdown

The breakdown

October 08, 2020

Are you busy?

I’m not sure about you, but I feel like a lot is going on all at once right now.

Fall tends to get busy anyway - school has started, it’s conference season for many businesses (now, it seems even more conferences, just virtual ones), Q4 and the end of the year is forcing individuals and organizations to make plans for 2021, and of course Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the December holiday season. I suppose that’s enough right there, but additional things always creep into our otherwise carefully laid plans.

In many respects this time of the year feels like a big train gaining speed and momentum down a steep hill, and I’m praying there is not a sharp turn at the bottom of the hill that could cause the train to derail with all this gravity-induced acceleration.

The brightside?

If our train is heading into a valley that means there is likely another peak on the other side of that valley’s low point. That’s hope. That’s gratitude in knowing that this, like all things, is temporary. Plus, the effort it takes to get up the next peak represents growth, knowledge, experience, and wisdom, which makes us better for having traveled the path now behind us.

How do you mentally create enough space for yourself to tackle all the tasks that constantly get added to your to-do list without losing your mind?

It can be different for everyone, but in my opinion a little bit of preparation can go a long way.

Here’s my approach, maybe it helps you:

With my morning coffee, I like to write down what needs to get done that day and/or week and prioritize the top 2 to 3 items on that list that are crucial that I complete that day. This provides some guidance and focus on what has to get done that day, if I can squeeze in other things from my to-do list, that’s a bonus. 

Often in practice what happens is I’ll prioritize 1 or 2 things that need to get accomplished that day, try to complete those things first if possible, then I’ll reprioritize my list to identify another 1 or 2 tasks that I might still be able to complete that day depending on the time still available in my day. 

Typically, I’ll get my essential main priorities completed and at least one additional task. That additional task getting completed is now something I don’t have to prioritize for tomorrow. That’s in part, how I’m often able to accomplish more than I thought I could in one day. 

Now, keep in mind, some days are better than others, and the ideal scenario I just described isn’t always able to pan out like I want. However, I’m shooting for the law of averages...if I can get through more on my list each day than I had originally planned it’s a big win...if I only complete what I had planned to complete, it’s still a win.When those wins become habitual on a regular basis your confidence in your ability to get things done goes up and you feel less overwhelmed by all that needs to get done.It's simply breaking down the overwhelm before it breaks you down then systematically building a habit of productivity, progress, and success. 

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UPDATESFrom a music standpoint, I've been busy getting my back catalog of songs available on all major streaming platforms. You can now stream my 2004 album, Linear Cycle of the Seasons on whichever platform you prefer.------------

Stay positive. Stay healthy. Be kind.Sincerely,Nick VenturellaCreative Professional, andco-founder of Eleven Music Career CenterNickVenturella.comnickVmusic.netFacebookYouTubePatreon