Friday, February 17, 2012

Do that thing update -- When progress is slow

This post is part of my do that thing series.  For previous updates, in handy reverse chronological order, click here.

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I've been working on one particular project that I can't wait to show you.  In my mind's eye, it's something really special.  Only, it's not finished yet.

It's a new journal.  A pocket journal that you can take with you wherever you go.  It will be simply made and staple bound, with a limited selection of bright covers, but on the inside, oh the inside, it will be filled with some of my best doodles and prompts yet.  There will even be a new category of prompt, one that you haven't seen yet, one that will nudge you even closer to your goals.

I have made it so easy for myself.  One page per day, I tell myself.  I can do one page per day.  One page per day and I'll be finished in, like, a month, maybe two at the most.

Except that I've been working on this project for more than a year.  I'd say it's about half-finished.

It's Friday today, and I look back on this week, a week punctuated by sick days for both girls, a day-long meeting outside my city, an afternoon commitment, a volunteer commitment, a couple of appointments, a longer-than-intended-but-totally-worth-it lunch with a friend, dinners to make, baths to run, a couch to pass out on when the kids are finally asleep, and I see that I've only opened the file twice and never even came close to finishing one page.

I won't lie.  There's a measure of dread here.  That I'll never see this through.  That I just can't do it.

And then there is the thought that this is life.  And progress is slow.  And that's no reason to give up.

24 comments:

  1. Hey Christie,
    You'll get it finished and when you do, it'll be just the right time. I have been following your posts and since you started Do That Thing, I think I sense a more upbeat tone in your posts. Could be my imagination, but I don't think so. I have been wanting to express that the whole idea has spurred me into action. OK. That's a total lie, but it sure got me thinking! Now my dilemma is to figure out which Thing I should focus on first. I guess I'll follow my own advice and realize that whatever I get finished first will be the right one. I really enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work.

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    1. Hi Kristie! Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm so happy that you have been spurred into (almost) action. :) You're right, I think, about my tone. I am loving posting Do That Thing updates. Helps me to stay positive. I hope you'll stop by to share your thing when you take the next step!

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  2. There will be time to open that folder / file. Let it go on the weeks that it doesn't happen! You already spoke that you're going to Do That Thing, so you will! You wisely didn't say WHEN you'd do it .. just that you WOULD do it!

    Cheers, my virtual friend!

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  3. That Thing sounds like it's going to be wonderful!! I can't wait to get a copy when its done. :)

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  4. Repeat after me, life in progress...life in progress. Skip the slow part because I find it speeds up exactly at the wrong moments and then it's the end of the week and lists like yours illustrate it wasn't slow at all!

    Can't wait to lay hands on the final product. :-) Hugs to you!

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    1. Hi Scribbler! Life in progress ... life in progress. :) Hugs!

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  5. It will happen when it happens, and I know I will eagerly wait for it.

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    1. Hi Silverlotus! So true. :) Thanks so much for your kind words.

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  6. It will be worth the wait. Have you ever thought of journal pages for elementary school age kids?

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    1. Hi Morrow! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your suggestion. I would love to do pages for elementary students and have produced a few trial pages. It's definitely on my list of future projects!

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  7. Progress is progress, no matter how slow. I also get really frustrated when I can't do the things I want to do right away. But having a family and other commitments often take precedence. You are not alone in feeling that way. Try not to get discouraged! Looking forward to your finished product - you do such great work!

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    1. Hi Rachel! It's really nice to see that I'm not alone. :) Reading comments like yours definitely helps to keep me encouraged. Thanks so much!

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  8. Looking forward to new things, no matter how long it takes! Go at your own speed. :)

    I was listening to some Harry Connick Jr. in honor of Mardi Gras, and heard this song and thought of you!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oY1atWZhGw

    The only version I could find on youtube was accompanying some dancers, but who doesn't like big dance numbers? (I hope you do!)

    Keep Doing Dat Thing!

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    1. Hi Cory! Thanks so much for the music! I love big dance numbers. :) Thanks, too, for your encouragement; it means so much!

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  9. With a week like that it's a wonder you had time to open the file once, much less twice. Hang in there. Not all weeks will be like that. And any step forward is a step forward. There is no time pressure on this, right? Only progress? You can bet on me hanging around until it's done. I'm enjoying you sharing your process, and hope you continue.

    On my own project, I wasn't able to open my file once this week. But I opted to take an impromptu vacation with my husband. As trade offs go, I'm happy with that choice. There will be other weeks I tear down the walls with productivity. It's a balance, I'm learning.

    Hugs

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    1. Hi Chris! Congrats on a vacation well taken. :) You're so right - it's all about choice and balance and steps forward. So glad to read you've been enjoying the process. I'm enjoying reading about yours as well!

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  10. Okay Christie - I read a quote on Pinterest. (although, I'm not sure of the exact words) It sorta went something like " If you've taken a step forward, you've lapped the ones lying on the couch." I think you're doing great - there's wasn't a time frame - I for one, love your work and can't wait to see what you have going but when it happens, it happens. Loved the Valentine crafts - my granddaughter and I did the ones from thirtyhandmadedays.com with the little shovels and the I dig you tags...what fun! Bonnie

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    1. Hi Bonnie! Your quote totally made me smile. Thanks so much for your kind words! (P.S. It took me a while to find them, but those shovel Valentines are adorable.) :)

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  11. I'm not sure where I found your page from but thank you for the cool journal printables. I can't wait to use them. I used to love journaling when I was little and can't wait to give it a go again.

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  12. Hi Brandi! Thanks and best wishes on your return to journaling. :)

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  13. What a wonderful place this is! I'm so glad I stumbled upon your treasure trove of loveliness!!! :-) I will be back again, for sure.....
    By the way, with regards to your last two paragraphs in this post, I can just tell by looking through your blog that you're the kind of girl who won't give up, and who CAN do whatever she puts her mind to! ;-)
    Until my next visit.....
    Carly
    x

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  14. Brandi, I hope you are having a happy spring! I can't wait to see your new project!
    ReadWriteSing

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