A Full Calendar

I can fill up a calendar very easily. It used to be my crowning glory, for a full calendar = a full life. It was the root of many down days in high school, in college and sometimes now. However, this equation does not compute, and it never did.

In high school, I would get saddened if I didn't do anything on the weekend. Classes and clubs filled my week, but weekends when no friends or fun things would be around would make me feel *gasp* unpopular. I still have my daily planner from Senior year, as proof that I had clout and a good time.

It is very shallow, I admit. Having a constant stream of dates and deadlines and obligations doesn't mean that you have any real power or persuasion over people. It doesn't really make you more or less interesting. Busy people are just busy.

So in an attempt to work better, not just harder, here are a few guidelines I'm subscribing to:

1) "Hard Work is Different than Hard to Do Work"
This is a great article that I find to be the root of my work ethic: If You’re Busy, You’re Doing Something Wrong: The Surprisingly Relaxed Lives of Elite Achievers
Instead of spending 20-30 minutes chipping away at an obstacle, commit a solid hour or two. Tackle the daunting elements and make headway into understanding the complexities.

2) The Human Element
This subtitle is an umbrella term. Humans can make errors, have tunnel vision, and be goal-oriented.  However, humans can also be romantic, emotional and unexpected. I think it's important to tap into those elements because they make life fuller and more enriching.
Cupcakes and Cashmere: New Year Thoughts

3) Make a concerted effort not to go right from the desk to the couch
Sometimes I think when I spend an inordinate amount of time on the couch watching TV, I've probably let a golden idea or opportunity pass because I can't focus on anything besides reruns of America's Next Top Model. Conversely, when I take time to brainstorm and fully develop a concept, I feel energized and determined. Those are the times when I not only get the best ideas, but they are the ideas that turn into the best deliverables, like a pitch or blog post.

Take the time (say 15-20 minutes) to get inspired and brainstorm. Or even, just write down everything that is buzzing in your head at the moment. That's how I get things mentally organized and I can create a plan of action. 

4) Overcommitment (my hardest vice)
The time we have is finite. There are only so many hours, and only so many things that can have our undivided attention. Id' rather commit to two or three things and excel at them, rather than being stretched thin and producing mediocre results.

My full calendar mentality was flawed. I'd rather be busy than bored, but I'd also rather be doing something substantial than just passing time. 

On a coxswain note, you can see the difference between a coxswain that is committed to the sport and understands its science and art, compared to a coxswain that is unfocused and not present.