Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Overwhelmed and Undermotivated


No matter where I look, I can see at least a dozen things I need or want to get done. It doesn't matter where I look, home, work, anywhere. As I sit at the computer, I see a pile of papers that need to be sorted, receipts that need to be entered, grades that need to be entered, papers that need to be graded, photos that need to be downloaded, a calendar that needs to be ordered, photo books that need to be made, a list of projects in other rooms waiting to be worked on, a magazine I want to read and a catalog I want to peruse, a bill I need to pay. If I dug into that pile I would find another dozen things that I have forgotten. One of which I was reminded of while reading a friends blog. And now I feel like a total schmuck. These are all while I face the computer, don't ask me to turn around and look into the family room.

The real problem is that I don't have time to do all the things that need doing. When I attempt to get something done, I get interrupted (about every 2 minutes) or sidetracked. So even if I manage to cross one thing off the list, about five more get added in the meantime. Which makes me loathe to start anything. So that makes it impossible to ever get caught up.

I would walk around with my eyes closed, but then I would get all bruised up by bumping into things. I know I will never get caught up if I don't just start, but the effort seems futile. So I will go attempt to get two small things done that have been put off for the last month. Two letters.

4 comments:

Kelly(M&M) said...

I completely understand how you feel. (Except for the papers needing to be graded part- I have other papers that fill in there!) If there is anything I can do to help let me know. One of the reasons I really want to do this organizing support group is so that we can get together every once in a while and help each other get out from under our piles. Good luck and thanks for being so honest. I am bummed I didn't get to go to book club last night. Maybe I will run into you at another store sometime. :-)

Kim said...

Hmmm. I think you need a system like mine. Buy cheap lidded boxes at the dollar store or somewhere. Then unceremoniously dump said receipts, photographs and other miscellany into them until such time you are able to deal with them. Then you don't have to look at the sheer volume of them until you're ready to get to work. Out of sight, out of mind. Works for me! (This is also known as "neating up" your procrastinating.)

Kelly(M&M) said...

Hey Amy, I forgot to order one other person's book, so if you are interested in free shipping and putting an order together, let me know.

kelmarker@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I say, close your eyes and bump into things! Just wear padding if you start to get too sore. Or hire one of your boys as a guide. Nice talking to you today.

By the way, I know you're extremely capable. I found this comment helpful, "You can do hard things!"