a life full of changes

[robinsnest]

Lots of things have changed in my life lately. Friends, jobs, school, becoming an aunt, the list goes on. And I've been taking a bit of a personal inventory. There are things I like about myself. I think I am empathetic, I think I am kind. I think I am loyal. I am creative, smart and I try. I do not want to discount the things I am proud that I have accomplished and worked for.

But there are things I think need work about myself. And this is the biggest. I suck at follow through. It's not intentional. I think it's a mix of having ADHD so I have the attention span of a goldfish and easily get wrapped passionately up in the newest thing, forgetting the thing I was LAST wrapped up in. It doesn't matter so much if my sewing pile is full of half finished projects, or if my cleaning abilities leave something to be desired. But I've been realizing lately it makes me a crappy friend sometimes. an example: I told a schoolmate I would email him something for an assignment he needed to do that night. But by the time I got home I had COMPLETELY forgotten and I didn't remember until I saw him in the morning. At which point I was a horrible flake and felt SO bad. Luckily he found it on his own and it was no harm no foul, but it's things like that I am becoming more and more aware that I do. I want to do everything so I say "SURE I'LL DO THAT" but then I either forget, get completely overwhelmed, or overcommitted and end up letting everyone down. I WANT to help everyone in every way. And I toss too many balls in the air and really need to work on my juggling. SO that being said, I'm working on it. I'm going to work on finishing what I started in all aspects. School has been an excellent structure. And I am trying to focus on doing things right, I will make no less than 3 muslin's for my 18th century dress. Don't let me get away with less.

And for those who I know I have flaked on. Which is pretty much everyone on here in some way or other (even if it's just never remembering to post about things! Especially those who helped me get to the francaise dinner and I NEVER posted about going?!?) I am so sorry for that. Here's to better things to come. 

Comments

[isabelladangelo.livejournal.com]

Things that have helped me (a bit): Having a notebook and pen nearby. At events, I ALWAYS have one. Everywhere else, taking pictures of something regarding what you are supposed to remember - like the person you promised to help- really helps a lot.

As for cleaning....I've given up hope and when I move, I'm hiring a maid. ;-p

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

I leave post it notes whereever I go. I'm a pretty organized person with good follow-through, but it takes EFFORT to be so. I don't say that to be discouraging at all, only that sometimes people who seem together make it look like it's natural, when it's not!

I also email myself reminders all the time. Because I know I will see my emails. So if you can email yourself when someone asks for something, that way you'll see it later at a time when it will be useful to you. When you're in the middle of something is not the best time to try to remember things. Good luck, you can do it!

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

It's hard to say "no", especially when they are things you want to do and are for people you want to help. Been there, done that! I still struggle in this area. I've gotten better at knowing what my limits are and most of the time not committing myself beyond them, but I still slip up and promise way more than I can deliver. Then I turn myself inside-out with the guilt of disappointing someone when I mentally or physically can't handle everything I've put on my plate. Sigh.

I found it even more challenging when I was in school to balance all the projects and things for others, family time, household responsibilities, personal time/projects and school - particularly when school always took up more time than I anticipated. It sucks but as a student the priorities have to be school, self, family, everything else. Part of this is just a season in your life - it's okay!

I think the goal of finishing things already started and taking the next commitment all the way to completion is excellent. (I'll be counting those muslins!). Learn where your limits are and put up boundaries so you don't cross them. And when you do cross them, be a little easier on yourself, learn from it and move on. The people that really care about you will do the same and the rest aren't worth the bother.

[heidilea.livejournal.com]

I have the same problems with follow through. I have tons of fabrics and UFOs and PHDs.

My advice regarding other people: DON'T take anything on unless you are sure you can do it and will do it. If you still want to, keep a legit day planner and write everything down, even if it is just a little thing for a classmate.

[rose-bertin.livejournal.com]

I have the same problem. I get so excited about a new project and I want to be a part of everything and then I completely overbook myself and forget about half the stuff I was supposed to do. I've found that making lists really helps me out. It keeps me organized, helps prioritize, and it's so satisfying when you get to cross something off.

[brickhousewench.livejournal.com]

I sometimes (often) have the same problem. The solution is not that you need to finishing everything, but learning to say no, setting priorities, and not taking on so much in the first place.

Being uber busy with school should help with that a little. When you don't have time, you naturally start prioritizing what HAS to get done vs. what you think should get done. Then, when you have more free time, you just don't pick up all the things that as it turns out weren't necessary.

Simplify, simplify, simplify.