Tips for Active Organization
(Click here to read the introduction/background information for the following tips.)
~*~ Staying Organized ~*~
- Keep appointments in some kind of a portable calendar or scheduler. I use one of those electronic Palms. I live by it! And be sure to double-check your schedule at least at the beginning and end of every day. Lord knows how many times I’ve caught myself by surprise, nearly missing an unexpected appointment!
- Be sure to write down changes to your schedule the moment you are aware of them. I will be the first to admit that I am a classic procrastinator. But I also know that I will not remember changes unless I write them down, right away.
- Know your priorities. For me, because performance “gigs” are a one-time opportunity of such a nature that the more one refuses it, the less likely one will be called upon to perform again, nearly all “gigs” take priority in my schedule over private lessons. The lessons can be moved around and made-up, after all, and even if they can’t for some reason, the student will usually survive missing one week, especially if I assign extra “homework”. I know that may sound irresponsible, but I’ve found it to be true, and the parents have always been understanding and supportive. I consider my performing to be a great privilege and gift to myself. I have made the decision a long time ago to continue advancing and challenging my abilities, but I also strongly feel that everything I learn through my own experiences in the “real world”, I purpose to relate to my students in a very real way for their development as wise musicians. So, it all works out.
- Be able to balance your schedule with the needs of others, and be willing to fluctuate when you are able to. My boss at the music store does this really well. She will try her best to schedule a new student directly around the times I am already teaching at the store. Similarly, I will try to arrange lessons in certain areas around certain days that have already been established. Reducing the amount of driving I have to do is a nice thing, especially these days.
- Remember, there is always an answer to conflicts in schedules. Even if it doesn’t look like it at first, don’t panic. Just think for a moment, find holes in between appointments, and be a tough negotiator. I just figure, again, what is my top priority, what can be negotiated or moved around, what cannot be moved for anything, and then I leave it up to the other party to decide. This is where I’ve learned to just say “No” by offering what I can and refusing to budge on where I’ve set my borders.
- Borders. I have certain days and times that I have restricted from any regular teaching assignments. I don’t have many such borders at this point, but they are definitely there. This leaves space for most likely “gig” occurrences and possible make-up lessons, and otherwise all-important me- and family-time.
- Use free time wisely. There’s not a lot of it, so don’t waste it. Get done what needs to be done the soonest, and then keep a little “you time”. My “Sarah time” will usually be my composing and/or writing time, unless I’m just not in the mood, then I read or relax or…?
- Actively look for free time between obligations. For example, if I have to make some important phone calls or make lesson notes, or whatever, I can usually find time for this between lessons. Or, if I have an absent student in the middle of a long run of students, I can either practice or work on my compositions during that spare half-hour or hour.
- Above all, maintain your health and sanity. Eat well, sleep well, take breaks, get fresh air, keep a bottle of water with you always, take your vitamins, and doggedly keep a joyful attitude about life. The moment a complaint or comment of discontent escapes the lips, the mind is open to being overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness. Don’t allow the schedule to rule over you; you be master of your schedule.
This is where I consider my faith in Jesus Christ to be invaluable to my well-being. Because He has brought me into close fellowship with God, I don’t have to worry about what’s coming; I don’t worry about whether or not I will be successful in life, because God has assured me that I will be, as a result of His favor toward me in this earth. And I have seen widespread evidence of this in my life, time and time again. Ultimately, I do not aim to please people (I have no need to prove anything to anyone), though I love them and work for their benefit. When I’m confident that my future is secure, I can let go of my desperate hold on my schedule and allow life to be the grand adventure it was meant to be. Take from that what you will, and may we all find peace and joy in our daily lives.
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