Thursday 1 January 2015

Goodbye 2014 ~ Hello 2015...

Happy New Year!!! On the east coast of Australia it's already 2015.


I've had a bit of a break from blogging and even a couple of days without sewing. In my last post, I mentioned that I didn't finish all the Christmas sewing I had planned. The year before I had promised myself the same thing, but again, it happened.

2015 is the year for me to end sewing at the last minute. No more procrastinating and sewing at the eleventh hour. Well, that's my plan.

I've been doing a lot of thinking, trying to work out why I don't pace myself and get projects done earlier. Until a few years ago, I've always worked full time. Raising a family and working outside the home requires a certain degree of organisation and routine to make it work. Even after the kids left home, work itself is still structured and there's a sameness to each day.

Now that I have the luxury of doing what I want when I want, that's exactly what I've been doing. I have earned it!!! And while it's a good feeling, I think it's time for a little more organisation, even if just to stop the stress immediately before Christmas.

It's always easier to achieve something if someone else is helping or motivating. Sandra and I have a plan. Not that Sandra needs a plan. She would have to be one of the most organised people I know. While I thought about adding Christmas makes to Fiona's monthly Ho, Ho, Ho and On We Sew, Sandra actually sewed the presents and added them. Fiona, I'll be joining in this year!!!

I've identified two areas that slow me down. Like most people I write lists. My lists, however, are on scrappy bits of paper that are scattered everywhere. No more bits of paper. There'll be one list on a notepad. At the end of each day I'll write a new list for the next day. Longer term plans will be written on a whiteboard.

The second area that slows me down is actually starting a project. Deciding on a design and then choosing the fabric is something I take FOREVER to do. From now on I'm going to try and speed up this area by choosing and cutting ahead of time.

Sandra and I have started an informal monthly challenge for 2015, where we set our sewing goals for the month. My goals revolve around presents, whether they be for birthdays, Christmas, thank you's, or any other present. At the moment I'm highly motivated to keep up my end of the challenge.


I also have a personal goal for 2015. I want to be able to do a chin up. Just one will do. My eldest son is helping me with this goal. He's helped me devise a program of weight training and exercises. He emails me to keep track on how I'm going. It's amazing the effect one email has. Just when I think I'll skip exercising for a day, up pops an email. That little email is all I need to motivate me.

Most of us find it plain sailing to do the things that come easily to us. Activities that challenge us can be more problematic. I've always been a fairly motivated sort of person and relied on myself. I now realise that I can achieve more if I sometimes enlist the help of others.

How about you - do you seek help from others to challenge or motivate you?

Wishing you all a wonderful 2015, filled with lots of fun, laughter and SEWING!!!

... Pam

6 comments:

  1. I'm glad you're joining Ho Ho Ho - I'm going to be hosting one month! And who isn't motivated to get something done when there's a chance you'll win a prize? LOL!

    We've set reasonable, doable goals - we're determined - we're gonna kick butt in this challenge :D The two areas that you've identified as problems ... are very easily solvable --- a list, and kits :D They're the main things that keep me on track - oh - and then I have auto emails sent to myself on a regular basis to remind me of things I need to get done :D I printed off a pattern today for a new-to-me project I want to try for the kids for Easter - that will knock off two of my January goals (2 new to me projects, 2 gifts) in one Eastery swoop ;)

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  2. Sounds like you have some fun and reasonable goals there! I'm sitting here deciding mine right now with five hours to midnight. I've even left this to the last minute! I'll definitely have to work on that.

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  3. Hi Pam! Happy New Year. I want to get a little more focused on cooking this year. I'm not a bad cook, but I want to add more thinking and planning time to it. I get really caught up in my sewing. There is always that next project, but to what end? There will always be something to sew up, even when I'm 90! ha ha Here's to a great year ahead (and a move for us in August), so an exciting year. I have another surgery in 12 days though, but it should be the last one! Hurray!

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  4. Happy New Year! I agree with you that sometimes even though you may not have a lot of hours while working full time, you are forced to use those hours more productively. I have a pad for my list next to my computer work station that I try to keep current. Exercise is going to be high on my list this year too. Retirement has not bee good for my waistline. :( I am glad you have partners to help you achieve your goals! YOU CAN DO IT! Donna

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  5. Happy New Year, Pam! It's always reassuring to know that others have the same struggles as me. I swear I spend more than quadruple the time thinking about what pattern/fabric/mods I'm going to do/use than the time I actually sew. Lots of dreaming but not much action!!

    I hope that 2015 is just as productive for you as 2014 and a bit more organized.;) I'm looking forward to seeing your creations. And good luck with the chin up. Be sure to keep us updated!

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  6. Have a wonderful New Year Pam!

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