I think my New Year’s motto to myself is “When you’ve done what you can, stop doing it!”. I have a habit of staying at the freelance desk full-time although I am sort of semi-retired-ish. I revolve around the projects I have on hand and worry/poke them. This is not needed.
I have taught classes in Multiple Plate Spinning for years and. Like the circus act itself, there is no point keeping on spinning the same plate – you are far more likely to miss others wobbling, or just over spin the single plate/project.
How do I convince myself its OK, at 67, to walk away from the desk and read a book or go for a walk. I’ve trained myself to go to the gym – provided I have a good audio book to keep me interested. Maybe learn more about the Countries with whom I will be working this year.
I’ve got a fascinating family history to try and uncover – there are half brothers & sisters out there, and many mysteries surrounding stories/truths I was told as a child. Rich engrossing stuff.
Plus there’s the endless draw of online chats and news/myth which is available so easily. I get taken down fascinating paths always trying to check that I am being led by provable sources.. An obviously AI generated news report today had at its core truths verifiable from original government bodies. I presume the original reporter who has had her face AI cloned/used will not have been happy at all. We live in a world where fact checking and image and copyright protection are vital to be protected].
So, when I’ve written a blog like this. Stop Doing it. Move on and find something else useful to do with my life/work.
When I’ve sent out 1000 emails promoting a producers’ event, or submitted a budget for an international project. Stop Doing it. Don’t expect instant results. Let them move through the ether channels and the necessary reading and action, and move onto something useful.
Or grab Netflix or BFI Player and wallow in films you never had time to watch in an earlier decade. Or walk in the Scottish air, or plan a special Scottish train journey.
Enjoy the multiple plate spinning – but with a bit more space between the poles, and a bit more time between the need to spin.