Plan, plan, plan

In previous years I have really struggled with the planning phases of my projects and tend to leave them to the last minute. Doing this pretty much screws up the project, even in its initial stages. One of the most important thing I learnt in the 2nd year team project was the ULTIMATE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING!

This year, however, I have a plan. I have a rather good feeling about it, too! I have a little section of my room the I use for my office, and in this space I have made a physical timetable that sits right next to my desk. Every night before bed, I write down the tasks I need to get through the next day (in pencil) and cross off those I achieved already (in green, because green is a happy colour! Yes, rather childish..) In order to keep the long term goal in sight, I have also made a list of the tasks that need to be done in the long run, this list isn’t detailed, it’s just to help me keep in mind the stages I need to complete before Christmas.

Here it is!

This system will help me see the projects as bite size pieces and stop me feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs juggling. It also helps me keep in check of deadlines and how well I am time managing. The fact that it is a physical entity (ha) on my wall rather than a digital schedule gives it solidarity for me. Every day I have to sit by it, so undone tasks are always there staring at me judgingly. Sadly, I also find the act of crossing something off in pen gives me a great feeling of satisfaction… it’s the little things!

I managed to get my mood board done and dusted today. On a similar theme to the ‘physical’ timetable, I decided to make this mood board with printouts, paint and scraps on an old canvas board. I felt like getting my glue out and getting mucky and the physical act of cutting and sticking helps me clear my mind and concentrate on the ideas floating around in my head. It also provides me with constant inspiration in my office, which will helpfully be useful as I continue planning. Anyhoo, here's a photograph of it, I’ll scan it in at a later date: