I finished the revisions! Ha! There is nothing sweeter than meeting a deadline on time . . . except for the sweet tea I mentioned a few posts back.
I'd like to chat briefly (very briefly, because my fingers are busted from writing 20,000 words in two days) about the importance of setting personal deadlines.
What's a personal deadline, you ask? It's a deadline that has absolutely no meaning to anyone but yourself. It might be for something that already has a deadline (like my revisions, which were due in January), or it might be for something open-ended that you've left hanging too long.
Setting these sort of goals for myself helps keep me on track. I reward myself with a CD when I reach one, or I tell myself I can't have something until I do -- like a chance to sit down and read any of the new novels that I bought with my advance money (yes, that's ironic) (or maybe just predictable). And you might say, "but the only person you'd let down is yourself." And yes, that's true. And if that isn't a good enough reason to finish a deadline, there isn't a better reason out there. Because when it comes down to it, you should be working for yourself no matter what your profession.
And the best part of meeting my crazy personal deadlines? I now have three months to play with writing whatever I want to, because I got my work done early. Getting stuff done early means more time for you.
So do me a favor. Look at your procrastination list and make yourself some deadlines tonight, and write the reward for completion on time next to it. And get busy.
10 comments:
Great advice, Maggie! and good for you for getting your revisions done SO early ... that's gotta be a good feeling.
Self discipline is super important for creative types ... thanks for continuing to remind us with your advice and, most importantly, your example.
And I must say, another beautiful painting ... I know I don't have to say it, but I will: Keep up the good work!
What a beautiful painting Maggie!
I think that, as an artist and busy Mom, I really need to set more persoanl deadlines. Otherwise life just finds a way to run right over your goals.
Thanks for the reminder!
:)
Congratulations! Beautiful painting! I love the bold colors in the strak black.
Wonderful post Maggie! I don't think that having deadlines is crazy. It probably helps the artist. At least it does me because I tend to begin things and not finish them if I do not have a deadline. I should have a little book with deadlines in them. I ALWAYS start things and finish them months later. LOLOL Anyway, GREAT WORK!
*HUGS*
Angela
Hi! The painting is gorgeous. I remember how I made Phi Theta Kappa and had little to no time. But I did it. Now, I wonder why I did not die. Well, did you read Rhonda Bartoe Tucker's advise. Your advise and Hers are perfect for artist. I have a new computer coming the end of the month and a business software. Right now I am and will continue to use a ledger. I learned this from Edward Hopper. He and His wife kept beautiful ledgers all artist can learn from His care with business.
Well, I guess Peanuts now has seven little doggies to be running off from now. Also, I received my Cafepress journal of of "Strung Out - Tabby Cat"
**** not complaining **** but my journal has Kitty with the Head at the Top of the journal - not the bottom. I am putting my name in and date tonight.
Great advise -- Great WIPs
((( Circle of Hugs )))
Cooking homemade Chicken Pot Pie- smells Great.
Sherrie
I have a question for you, Maggie. It's slightly related to procrastination.
You can create these beautiful, big, well-composed paintings fairly quickly (at least it seems quick from the rate of posts) and I'm wondering what kind of prep work you do. I find it way easier to work on something once the painting is underway - the planning stage is where I procrastinate.
Do you work from well-composed photos, or do you sit down and work out compositions first? How long does that take you? I saw your WIP posts of the big horse - do you do that level of planning for every painting? How much time do you spend planning out focal points and contrasts?
Maggie. Super painting. I was inspired and finally set to work on a painting of NYC from some photos taken earlier this year. I'll try and post it today or tomorrow. Speaking of getting things done, two things; how about some examples of Maggie's Personal Goals with accompanying Rewards. And have you read David Allen's "Getting Things Done"? It's like a cult following!
Maggie, I have informed Cafepress of how they are sending out the Journals for your "Strung Out - Tabby Cat Journal". It does show correct in your store ad.
Thanks, Sherrie - I appreciate that and let me know if they don't do right by you and I'll rough them up. :D
I just love Milk Chocolate and Vanilla. They are so cute. Hope they get a home together.
sherrie
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