The List – Or: Whatever it Takes

I have a list.  The list lives on my bathroom door (courtesy of Michael’s craft store and awesome pens that write on glass).  I see the list every day several times from the front as it’s meant to be read. I see the list once a day from behind as it’s not supposed to be read and I know the list by heart. 

There are only seven items on the list: it’s my job list, the über-to-do-list.  One through seven: the things that generate income or might generate income, my projects, my jobs, my films, my ‘stuff’.  It’s a very diverse portfolio.  Ever since I started the list good things are happening.  Why? 

Simple: I have the list. I look at the list many times a day, …but I repeat myself.  And that’s the point. I have a tendency to get completely immersed in what I’m doing to the point of (mild, very mild) obsession.  So the list gets me back on track.  

Item #1 is my obsession du jour, Item #2: need to schedule a half day to finish reading the article. Item #3: have to follow up with client. Item #4: a quick phone call to keep the ball moving. Item #5: need to invoice.  All my balls in the air and not, as pre shopping spree to Michael’s, two in the air and the rest collecting dust in the corner.  

ANY portfolio has to be diversified and so does mine as a small business owner and a filmmaker and a freelancer and consultant and a gym class teacher and a crazy woman.  What?  Yes, that too. I had a friend visit and I guess he couldn’t resist.  The day after his visit I realized that I had an item #8 on my list.  It read “crazy woman” and decidedly in a different hand. So, it wasn’t me sleepwalking.  I take my newest job very seriously: crazy woman, yes sir.