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Finding the Time

Posted by Jesse Friedman | Posted in Business, Lifestyle | Posted on September 16, 2008

Stress ImageHow do you have time for it all?

This is a question I tend to get a lot and it’s because I appear to stretch myself very thin. I work full time for Neal Advertising which results in 40+ hours on average per week; I am a professor at Johnson & Wales which includes teaching, grading, running clubs, counseling students and meetings. I co-own a freelance web development firm called Seed Seven. I’m in the process of developing a blogging community called WFABI and I run this website. Not to mention conferences, rss feeds, magazine articles, twitter and other social sites. These jobs and responsibilities don’t even include my personal life.

At home I’m a Dad, a husband, a homeowner, a handyman and dog walker. My son is 10 months old and he is fantastic but he’s also a lot of work. So how do I get it all done?

Well first off I don’t get a lot of sleep. As I write this I see the time is getting closer and closer to midnight. I’m probably going to hit the sack around 2 am tonight. As much as I like to avoid working late I still do it because I enjoy it. The web industry is very unique and I think that web professionals are a special breed. We continue to strive to improve our selves in an ever changing industry. The technologies change more frequently then in the medical industry. As a web professional slowing down leaves you at risk of being left behind.

The second piece of the puzzle is setting priorities. My priorities dictate exactly what I’ll accomplish on a daily, weekly and annual basis. It’s very important to take the time to sit down and evaluate everything you need and want to accomplish and then literally list them in order of importance. By doing this I’m able to logically and accurately decide on what to do and how long to spend on it. The highest item on that list is being a father and husband. I tend to my families needs first after that is my full time job at Neal Adv and so on down the list. This may sound extremely anal but I even add tv, and video games to the list. It really helps me make the choice between going back to work or playing Star Wars Unleashed on the Wii.

As a web professional I have to find the time to continually improve my skills, contribute to the community and learn from other professionals. At the same time I have to make time for my family and private life. It’s very hard to do it but setting priorities is a great way to accomplish that goal.

How do you find time to accomplish all of your goals?

  • Justin Rauer
    Just being socialable while remaining focused on daily responsibilites can be the biggest challenge. I recently got married back in July and with school, full time work along with my passion for technology. All at once can just be too much. I have found that the following steps help me start and end the day with a smile no matter what curve balls are thrown at me.

    1) Be thankful - always put things in perspective and stop and look around in the morning to be thankful for everything you have/achieved.

    2) Goal yourself, set daily goals for things that you want to get accomplished.

    3) Multitask - walk the dog while taking out the garbage for example (did that this morning)...Iron my clothes for work while i eat my breakfast...etc.

    4) Break larger tasks into smaller ones that can be achieved. It really helps me to start projects at work early before the due dates in small junks. Having the most time to focus on small parts helps me creatively.

    5) The bigger picture - start now!!! think about where you want to be or what your passionate about and decide where you want to be, let's say in a year or so. Keep that in the forefront of your mind always. Never wonder how it's going to happen, just work little by little and keep success in your mind. Little curveball's can be thrown but if success is in your mind then you will surpass them.

    6) Fun Time - designate some alone time for youself and with your loved ones. I found that even laying on the couch together or out playing golf or some xbox 360 really helps get my mind off things for a little bit. Never overindulge!

    Not sure where this is all coming from but, i saw this blog and it really got me thinking. Even web designing can be a large mountain from a creativity stand point but you overcome each obstacle as you stare it in the face. Never give up!

    Thanks for reading...
  • There once was a time where I'd go to school... come home, do homework, play final fantasy for a few hours (lol), and work on the weekends. That just doesn't happen anymore. I haven't been able to play a game in about 2 years, which I used to love to do. I've taken on a more serious workload, and school has gotten a little crazier. I usually go to class until 4, get home, work all night, pass out late, wake up early and do the homework I need to get done right before class. Not to mention all the nitty gritty such as RSS, mags, making food (that's crucial!), etc. Not to mention the pets (my family).

    But you're absolutely right. Prioritizing has become extremely important. On many days, if I have an extra 5 minutes, I have to use it wisely to accomplish something, so I'll have more time later for something else. for example... If I get to a class early, and I'm sitting there waiting for the prof, I'll wip out the laptop, open some design, or maybe a site I'm working on, make a few adjustments, close the laptop.

    To accomplish goals, there is a list of things I do each day.

    1) I've developed a really efficient routine, a ritual even. haha. I can eat and shower, and be off in a matter of about 15 minutes. The trick is, to shower while food is cooking. I know it sounds crazy... but if you've got bacon, toast, etc in the morning... toss it in, and then do the shower thing mighty quick... when you get out, prepare the food, and BAM. haha

    2) Being a freelance designer is extremely useful in terms of time management. You know exactly how it is... it doesn't matter when / where you work, as long as you meet the deadline. And with the advent of the laptop, life has gotten sweeter. wooooo

    3) take a daily vitamin and / or steroids

    4) stay motivated by checking out new designs / sites everyday. Sites like flickr, deviantart, creaticca (new!), and all the web industry leaders' sites, usually keep me motivated and inspired to get shit done quickly, so I'll have time to do what I love.



    Sometimes, I wish I had time to be bored, honestly.

    Cheers!
  • Ted Graf
    Work more, and sleep less.
    It sucks, but it seems the only way to stay on top of it all.
  • One word: caffeine.
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