9 by 99 Revisited

          Last week I posted an update of my 9 x 99 in 2009 project. I’m behind, but I’m getting things done. Kitty made a comment about not realizing how much time each task would take. Her point is valid and I’ve been musing over it for the past week. I think, though, the problem is slightly different than thinking I could do all those 9 tasks in 99 days. Had I focused only on those tasks, I could have finished every one of them. I still might finish at least most of them.

          The issue, I think, is that I tried to change too much too fast and didn’t work within the parameters of my personality. I was frustrated and irritated with myself for not finishing projects, particularly writing projects. In response (retaliation?), I saddled myself with a list of tasks and a deadline for completion. Not a bad thing to do in itself. A concrete list of those tasks I consider most important or immediate helps me focus. Having a solid deadline and some accountability to that deadline keeps me focused. I learned that a long time ago. In trying to address the past frustrations, I ignored one crucial fact. (Or maybe 2 interrelated facts.)

          One of my greatest strengths is my flexibility, the way I can adjust expectations and plans on the fly. Recently, I’ve begun to view my flexibility more as a flaw than a strength. I wanted to stay focused and complete some of the many projects I’ve started or envisioned. That was, in fact, the main reason I conceived 9×99 in 2009.

          My mistake, though, was to try to radically change the way I operate. I need that flexibility. I need to be able to set aside one project that has lost its luster and go to another one, knowing that my interest in the first project will return. That is, in fact, part of my natural creative rhythm. Yes, it needs direction and discipline imposed at times, but to be truly productive, I need to work within that rhythm.

          I thought I was doing that by choosing 9 tasks to complete in the given time. After all, I could cycle through them, taking advantage of my propensity and need for daily change. However, having all 9 tasks “set in stone” so to speak, was too many, too much, in too little time. I left no room for true flexibility. I could only work on those 9 tasks or risk failure.

          I didn’t take into account that life changes. Yes, if I only did those 9 tasks, I could have completed them in 99 days. In reality, though, I had to adjust my days to accommodate several large time-drains. We planted a large garden, with plans to preserve most of it. I’ve never canned before, so this summer is a learning process. I’ve spent a lot of time canning, freezing and making jellies. Fun and necessary, but not on my list. There have been family visits and activities that required my presence, business responsibilities I either didn’t realize I would have or didn’t consider as I made my 9×99 list. In short, my days have been filled with activity, even though my 9×99 list is not even half complete.

          In every plan, there needs to be what could be termed “wiggle room.” A good rule of thumb is to only schedule about 50 percent of your time, leaving the rest as a buffer or cushion. Not only because we need “downtime,” but also for those times when unexpected or unconsidered things happen. I relearned that this past six weeks.

          This has been a great experiment, giving me practical, hands-on experience in creating goals and completing projects. Now it is time to evaluate and adjust. Or at least start considering changes. I will continue working towards these 9×99 tasks. While doing so, though, I’m also planning ways to implement the next one. (Which I’ll probably start in January, if anyone wants to join me.)

          Maybe I should choose fewer tasks to complete. Or smaller tasks. Or maybe create a ‘rotating list’ of things I want to work on. Perhaps I should only list a few tasks as permanent, leaving the rest be done at my discretion. I’d have to finish 9 tasks of roughly the same size and time commitment in 99 days, but only 3 or 6 of them are stated. During the 99 days, I then have the option of choosing which other projects I work on.

          Some things to think about. Whatever I do, I am going to keep my personality in mind, allowing for the flexibility, not trying to squelch it.