When I wrote that post, I committed to getting my photo collection more organized before my son graduates from high school this year. Sadly, in the months that have transpired since the post was published, I have made no progress with this.
This week I spent a considerable amount of time looking for a photo I had hoped to use on this blog. I knew
exactly the one that I wanted, but it had been misfiled and I was unable to locate it.
Feeling frustrated, I remembered something else I wrote. On September 26, 2014, I published, "Sometimes You Just Have To Dive Right In". In that post shared this quote by Ivan Turgenev: "If we wait for the moment when everything is ready, we shall never begin." During my disheartening search for that picture this week, two things became clear to me:
1. The hardest part of a project is just getting started.
- There never will be a perfect block of time to complete this task, there is no point in waiting for the right time. I just need to begin organizing those boxes, and the task will then become a priority.
2. Sometimes you simply have to spend time doing something, so you will have more time later.
- As a blogger and a mother, trying to find a photo I took in the past is something I find myself frequently doing. The countless hours I have spent searching for these has really added up, and will continue to do so, unless I come up with a better system. Putting some effort into that now, will greatly improve my organization and productivity in the future.
These two basic truths can be applied to almost any projects in our lives where we find ourselves procrastinating. It is easy to make certain tasks a lower priority, but when we do so, often what happens is that everything else we have prioritized above them also suffers. Difficult as it may seem, it is best to make time to focus on getting these tasks accomplished.
Okay - but there is the tricky part. I just said it is best to "make time" for these projects. But, when our days are already full, how do we make time? It usually is a matter of spending less time on something else ... reading, television or movies, taking time off work, letting housework go for a bit, or sleeping less, for example. Obviously, some of these things are harder or less practical to give up than others - each individual has to determine what works best for them.
A mini vacation from blogging.
I have reached a difficult conclusion as to the best way for me to get my photo collection under control. I am going to have to take a bit of a blogging break to do it. I don't like the idea of interrupting my regular posting schedule, but I believe that by doing so, it will benefit this blog in the end.
My plan is to take a mini (2 week) vacation from blogging, posting only on Saturdays for the rest of this month. I will devote the time I would normally spend on blogging to getting my photo collection organized instead. Hopefully, when I return to my normal publishing schedule in December my productivity will increase, and I will have improved the way that I "make the most of my moments!"
Back in May, 2014, I asked my frequent readers to hold me accountable for getting my photos more organized. Today, I ask for your understanding, as I take some time to do just that!
See you here next Saturday!
What project requires your attention, and how will you find the time to get it done?
Good luck on your photo organization. It looks like quite the project. I am sure it will be fun to stroll down memory lane while you are at it!
ReplyDeletePhoto organization has not gone as quickly as I'd hoped Carlee - but I have gotten a lot of other things done in my little blogging break, and I hope to make some progress with the photos today!
DeletePhoto organizing wouldn't be so time-consuming if it wasn't for the hypnotic trance that overtakes you. They're not like decks of cards that can be quickly sorted into piles. Each photo holds a memory to be processed first, accompanied by thoughts like "Aww, my babies are all grown up" and "How did I get so old?"
ReplyDeleteYes Jackie - I think that is exactly why it is such a daunting task!
Deletesometimes a break is just what we need - you'll come back fresh and energized (and hopefully those photos will be exactly where you want them.....good luck with that!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Leanne! I have actually missed the time I ususally spend writing this week, but I have gotten caught up with a lot of other neglected things ... photos are still a work in progress!
DeleteGood luck.
ReplyDeleteFeel for my smaller portion who is back from his holidays with over 3700 photos to sort. And, to add insult to injury he has broken his glasses. He can get by, but not sort photos, with his back-up pair.
He has my sympathies! During soccer season, I was taking ~an average of 700 photos per game, and then having to sort through them for the best ones of each boy for an end of year slide show. That was a daunting task - even with my glasses. Hopefully his will soon be fixed! From the photos you have shared, he will have some amazing memories of his trip.
DeleteI agree with your other commenters. Organizing photos takes so long because you get pulled into remembering each moment but what a great time that is to back through all those wonderful moments! Enjoy and we'll miss you. We'll see you back soon! :)
ReplyDeleteI am in the same boat. Not picture wise even though I do need to do that as well, but no way not now. I am trying to get my blog in top shape going through each and every post and replacing the lost media as well as taking out posts that aren't relevant any longer or don't have to do with caregiving or Alzheimer's. I start a class in Jan and I really need to have it all together. I am also still editing and trying to find where to send my book and I couldn't wait...I've already started number 2 lol! Have a great two weeks! I'll miss you, but I'm only an email away!
ReplyDeleteRena, I have no doubt that you will accomplish all of those tasks! Your productivity amazes me. Good luck with it - and I hope we both end up feeling good about being organized :)
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