February 8, 2011

Later Is Now aka Eating Elephants

There seems to be an awful lot to do on The Farm at present.  I have known for at least 6 months that there are lots of changes afoot for us in 2011.  I have been drifting along thinking - "Oh well, I will worry about it all later".  The problem is, "later" is now.

We are expanding our business, starting in March, and this will involve a move for our family at some stage this year (I have discussed this here) and lots more farm work for everyone.  The Farmer, in particular, is going to be very much under the pump. We will have more land, more staff and more gear. It is very exciting, but just a little daunting at the moment.

I keep looking around this house and thinking of the packing and sorting that needs to be done.   Some initial repair work on The New House will need to be done as well.  This is complicated by the fact that I have only been in the new house once, for half an hour, last August!   Hence I am not quite sure exactly what is going to need to be done, but figure I will find out soon enough...

I am normally fairly motivated and positive, but at the moment I keep looking around at all the jobs and wondering where to start.  So today I made myself sit down and take stock.  And I have decided just to pick somewhere and start...  I made a huge list and I have attempted to break big jobs down into "do able" chunks.  Once I get going I will be fine (hopefully).

It reminds me of the saying.

"How do you eat an elephant?"

"One bite at a time."

(Although why anyone would want to eat an elephant is beyond me. Actually, is there anywhere in the world they eat elephants? - Ok, digressing, sorry)

The View From The Hill

Does everyone feel overwhelmed at the start of a big "project" or job?  Or is it just me?

15 comments:

BushBelles said...

Always, absolutely. I have great plans to begin early and be organised but it never seems to eventuate. I have now decided that I work best under pressure and will never be the organised super women that I imagined. I just go with it and do what I can. I think your plan to break it down is the best one. Best of luck
Bushbellesxo

Anonymous said...

Just popped back to the older post to give myself some context. Wow. I grew up on a farm and moving farms is a big job. But how great to be so close to town - with a growing family. Moving house is a huge job. At least you can pack up boxes and maybe move them straight away into the new place. Good luck with it all. I've moved 4 times in the past 5 years and know how huge and energy sapping it is. (Never again I tell my dear one!!) Enjoy the boxes and the chase to throw out junk :O)

G said...

One bite at a time is absolutely right... there really is no start or finish point, but a list that continually rolls over with new 'to-dos'. I tend to pick five or so small things and one big thing over the course of a day or a week. That way I feel productive but not overwhelmed by my endless list.

Fiona said...

I agree with Bushbelles. I work best under pressure. As a student I was the one burning the midnight oil the night before an assignment was due. I'm no different now... up till all hours Xmas Eve wrapping presents; up the night before school goes back sewing skorts for the girls; so I've no doubt if it was me, I wouldn't be packing till the week before I move!
But I've absolutely no doubt your planning will be less stressful and far more organised!!!
Good Luck!

Tales of a Tai Tai said...

I completely understand and am exactly the same. I have all these odd jobs I want to do but for some reason I always find time to do anything but (eg. blogging!). I figure when things absolutely NEED to get done, I'll get them done. Hopefully....

Sydney Shop Girl said...

I take the one bite at a time approach too.

Except with chocolate. Which is also very good when faced with a project that seems to overwhelm.

Best of luck to the whole Farm Family!

SSG xxx

Sydney Shop Girl blog

Maxabella said...

Oh yes, yes, yes. I get so overwhelmed so quickly without a plan. You gotta have a plan.

Don't you hate it when 'later' becomes 'now'? I thought you captured that feeling of perfectly. x

Emma said...

I am at my best under pressure and combined with the one step at a time technique usually find I manage... just! Best wishes for the big move! x

Donna said...

It all sounds very exciting - except for the packing and moving part! My advice is make a list and then just work through one room/shed at a time and sort out as you go! Hope it all goes well!

So Now What? said...

Not just big jobs. All jobs at the moment. Am procrastinating in such a massive way. I know I need to mentally kick myself up the bum, but hoping I'll just wake up and be ready. Pipedream?

Life In A Pink Fibro said...

Oh, I hear you on this. And I love that saying - even if I've never considered the whole elephant as nutrition conundrum before either.

Thanks for Rewinding at the Fibro!

Unknown said...

I so feel like this at times, but I also hate procrastination so I slap myself out if it and just dive in. There is no easy way to do it and no best place to start. I'm sure you will find once you start it will all just flow. Good luck with the move and/or eating elephants :)

PS. Rewinding at the Fibro

Jodi
http://www.jodigibson.com.au

Kakka said...

Rewinding from Pink Fibro

God, I feel overwhelmed just thinking about tackling my study this Easter.

More power to you. xxx

Penny's Portraits said...

I always do that. Wait till the last possible moment all the while thinking, I'll do it later. Shame that later always seems to turn into "now"...

Being Me said...

I am The Original Procrastinator. As for where in the world they might eat elephants? I'm sure someone does. Somewhere. Hope your list has somewhat shortened by now!