Hope it would be more than useful :)

It’s great to see someone utilising a similar system to me. Lisa here is living proof that such a system can work for you regardless of how crazy your life is.

@Gert, be sure to let me know how you go with this!!

@Debbie, if it wasn’t for tomorrow, we’d never get anything done! That funny business quote is definitely a true one. Try throwing some structure together in a weekly calendar and hopefully your days will start running smoothly.

@Identity Design, nice name ;-) Hopefully that works out for you SEO wise! Haha. But yes, you’re right! There is a HUGE difference when jumping from a full-time job in a large design firm to a freelancer. Nothing will ever be the same for you again, however I hope you enjoy the ride!

Thanks again everyone. Loving all of this feedback!

JB

Next week I wil start with my first weekly calendar.

Thanks!

My name is Lisa… and I am a Time Addict! It’s true – I can’t get enough of it, some days I could kill for it! Ok so maybe not literally, but I’m sure you know what I mean!

This is pretty much the method I use, and in reference to Zac’s comments, I use this method BECAUSE I’m very abstract and have absolutely no perception of time! I do have a fantastic little arsenal of tools these days to counteract my ‘creative quirks’. I use a paper diary/planner because I absorb much more when I write things down. I handwrite/sketch client briefs when I’m interviewing a client as it helps me generate ideas. I use billings software which has an integrated time tracker and I also time my iTunes playlist for my less fave administrative and accounts jobs. I love the fact that the design community is a fantastic resource, however, it’s a double-edged sword for me, in that while connecting with other designers keeps me up to date with the latest and greatest, it also chews up a lot of my time – for example my interaction on twitter/facebook is also ’scheduled’ as of this week.

I have also found that having a set schedule helps me say ‘no’ a little more often than I used to be able to. I would often agree to do client jobs, usually at the expense of my family time, in order to not disappoint a client. I’ve been able to set and generally stick to fairly regular work hours, and if one of my kids has a sports carnival I can block out that time and make it up over a night or two beforehand.

@ Zac Morris. You can definitely loosen the example Jon’s given to fit how you like to work – but the key here is to block out time “to get things done” and get them done in the most efficient way possible for you. The rebel in me wanted to fight against the constraints of a schedule (part of the initial appeal of having my own business) but realistically, and this is just my opinion, to make it in business long term there HAS to be some tiny thread of structure for you to start from otherwise your creative chaos will become overwhelming.

Thanks again for a great read Jon!

@Zak Morris, thanks for the comment! I know what you mean though. My life often feels the same – so much going on. It almost feels like it would be impossible to try and structure it or set those boundaries, however they are important.

Whether or not you’d like to believe it or not, our brains do thrive on patterns. They work better when there is some structure. They click into “Marketing” mode before you even wake up if they know marketing is that morning. A lot of research has gone into how patterns effect our minds and our brain and studies have shown that if we work to patterns, we are generally more motivated and focused. Give it a try anyway. Even if you only apply it to one or two things such as your marketing and your business development. It may prove worthwhile!

@Marnie B, you’re just saying that because you’re married to me. ;)

Thanks again guys for the comments! LOVE the feedback!

JB