Getting all my shit in one sock
 

Never one to do things in half measures I've set some very ambitious goals for myself, even by my standards. I've come to realize that in order to accomplish them I need to cultivate and apply a level of self discipline that I've honestly never really had. I've always been a wait until the 11th hour and then cram like hell and meet the deadline with seconds to spare, or charm my way through missing the deadline by a few minutes, kind of guy. Being 52 and deciding that I must create a new career for myself, and one that requires going back to school for at least two or three semesters is a life-size manifestation of that 'last minute cramming.'

Concurrent and entwined with that, is my simmering brewing plan. What I'm seeing is that I have to scale way, way back on fucking around and I need to start acting more like someone who wants to succeed.

I need to start going to bed early enough that I get a good night's rest so my brain functions, I need to stay on top of things like my laundry and ironing so that I am ready to go to meetings without racing around at the last minute trying to find clean socks or an unwrinkled shirt, make sure I've got all my shit in one sock, essentially.

I've got no idea how to actually do that kind of stuff, though I know it needs to be done. I've printed out yet another Day Planner type schedule, and the moment I sit down to write down what I need to do that day or the next day my mind goes blank. When I am miles away from pen and paper I have floods of ideas and plans. By the time I get to a piece of paper it all evaporates. I feel like that guy in Memento, except without all the tatts.

When I start to list all the things that need to be done and allot time for each I start to see where my time isn't going (when it should) and is going (when it shouldn't) I'm really not sure how I'll pull all this off, in terms of time management/organization and I admit to feeling like I am already a few years behind the curve.

Looking over the course listing for the summer I discovered that a) I may not be able to enroll for summer courses at all since they seem to be open only to already matriculated students, and b) one of the most important course I need requires a prerequisite that would mean I could only take the course next spring or summer.

I can't even apply to brewing school until I pass that course, 2014 is already filled and people are already applying for the 2015 class.

I'm trying to keep my cool and my faith in myself. Who knows how things will shake out?

:anxious:

If you have a smart phone, you have means to create lists when you think of them. If you don't have a smart phone, get one. If you want I can mail you my old palm pilot 3 with yellow body glove case. it's just sitting in my desk drawer. runs on aaa batteries, so you don't even need a charger.

Yeah I don't have a smart phone. How does a palm pilot work? I am a techno-luddite. It's horrible that my wife has an iphone and is outstripping me at entrance into the 21st century.

So, yeah, I'd love it if it helps make things go smoother.

From someone whose ambitions peaked around 1982, I will offer my two cents, if I may.

What I've found is that big lists are counterproductive for me. It looks so huge, so daunting...how will I ever do all that? Easier to do none. What works better is to write down one thing you want to accomplish the next day. Crossing it off is just as satisfying as crossing off a big list. Think of your list as a 'to be continued' thing. If you get more done...great, write those down and cross those off as 'accidental accomplishments' but only write down one thing for the next day.

Also, do not overestimate the size of your sock (that really wasn't intended to be double-entendrish like it sounds.) You might need a couple socks. And a sock might get lost in the dryer so it's always good to have spare socks. Less-stuffed socks are easier for transport too.

I've just always derailed myself when I look at the big picture of 'where I should be' and something I learned in the bin was to take smaller bites.

Really, I know you can do all of the things you want to accomplish. And you're going to feel really great accomplishing those things, if you don't put too much pressure on yourself.

You have a lot on your plate. I think your new start will give you energy and purpose unprecedented. Just don't derail yourself getting to the new start.

:)

p.s. I have a smartphone, but for lists I use the old fashioned route: a small pad of paper. They're totally portable, too...I can't believe how small they're making pads of paper these days. ;)

I also like a smart phone or PDA for lists and calendars. To get a handle on planning anxiety, though, you may want to write out three separate paper lists for where you want to be in one year, two years, five years. Then see what has to happen in the nearer term for the five-year plan to happen. You're already doing that, in terms of looking up courses and prerequisites. Once you see what you need, and the deadlines, you can move ahead. Sometimes colleges will let you sweet-talk them into taking your app for a summer course even though the official deadline has passed; depends on whether they've filled the course. Are there other programs that don't have exactly those prerequisites, or aren't as full?

And I like Infi's suggestion for day to day - small bites. Once you have an overview you can set priorities and accomplish one thing at a time. Cross that off and go on to the next.

You can do this. :)

Forget paper... I just carry one pen, and write things on the back of my hand all day. Extra-Fine-Point Sharpies make a mark without dragging on the skin too much, and yet wash off relatively easily at the end of the day.

And the batteries don't run down.

It isn't that the deadline has passed as much as you can't matriculate in the summer and I think that impacts financial aid. I have to check with her nibs.

You are such a nerd. I hope you realize how much your kids will suffer over that when they are old enough to realize. Get ready for

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! :rolleyes:

Not as much as your kids will suffer when they realize their dad has been shitting in his socks. ;)

Is this the testosterone continuing to work?

Well, dude has three feet, and they only sell socks in pairs. It stands to reason, he must have spare socks all over the place. Might as well shit in 'em, there's only so many times you can :jagoff: before it gets sore.

I use ballpoint pens. I make sure they're not too scratchy and steer clear of the edges of the hands then you can easily avoid the notepad when washing hands during the day. I usually have about 5 pens in my back right pocket. (dumb)phone goes in back left pocket. notes and $$ go in the front pockets. I do not wear clothing without jeans-style pockets.

I sometimes wonder how many germs I avoid by not using pens provided to me by other people because I always have my own handy. Right before I drop my food on the floor then pick it up and eat it. :D

The main problem i have is if I'm too tired to transcribe the notes remaining at the end of the day from my hand to paper, because they're illegible by morning, or if I'm in a hurry and write messily or using abbreviations then I have no idea what I had thought of later in the day and it bugs me.

I have also recently taken to carryinng pads of paper, it's less inconvenient than I thought it would be. I have one on the dryer in the basement, one by my bed, one in my gym bag and one in the car. although to be honest I tend to use the paper hand towel at the gym.

My laundry is always done. Getting to bed early is my current project.

"I am tired of your comments about my giant deformed hand. At first, they were amusing, but lately..."

Good on you for realising you need to get your shit together foot. You're half way there. Keep going. Don't stop.

Tried that, but when I got home I wasn't in the mood, and couldn't read the fine print.;)

Foots, contact the man, tell him your tale, and charm your way into the Sorcerer's Apprentice job.