Note: the following is going to sound like a humblebrag. I assure you, however, that this is only partially the case…
I’ve actually lost track of the amount of times, in the past couple of weeks, I’ve been asked how I’m doing all the things I’m doing right now. Because I assume that whoever is reading this isn’t stalking me too hard, humor me in this partial list: this semester, I’m taking 24.5 credits; performing a leading role in the Fall opera, four scenes with the opera workshop, two scenes with the new music ensemble, and an obnoxiously long aria with the baroque ensemble; preparing for my graduate recital and two more roles (and a cover role) in the Spring; practicing every day and coaching regularly outside of school; doing gigs around the Bay Area; applying to (and hopefully auditioning for) Young Artist Programs for the first time; working more hours than usual at the office to pay for flights to those potential auditions; serving as the Chairperson of the Student Council and acting as a liaison to the grown-ups in various facets at the Conservatory; spending time with my family and (hopefully) not destroying every single one my friendships; going to concerts and seeing everything at SF Opera at least once; maintaining my vices of Hulu and boba tea; getting almost enough sleep; and apparently writing the occasional blog post.
To illustrate, here’s a picture I drew last night for a poster for the new tutoring center (oh yeah, I’m also creating promotional materials):
So how is all this working? Honestly, I have no clue, but I have discovered a few things, which are obvious to most people but very novel to me, on the current leg of my journey on the struggle bus…
Things:
Setting an actual goal for a practice session (and not just telling yourself it’s a good idea to do that) can really make a difference. Here’s a good read on the subject: click me.
Busywork doesn’t actually require your full attention, and can be combined with Hulu and/or boba tea, as long as you proofread afterward.
If it’s not at the top of the feed, it probably doesn’t matter. Yes, the Facebook algorithms are frighteningly intrusive, but I can’t be mad at something that expedites my creeping experience.
If you drink only one cup of coffee in the morning, afternoon coffee is more effective. Truly a mind-blowing discovery.
It’s kind of fun to race against the washing machine to see how many tasks you can get done… as opposed to pretending that putting the clothes into a robot is enough productivity for an entire morning, which is definitely what I did in college.
Sometimes, getting a snack with a friend or playing with a tiny dog really is the right thing to do.
ForScore exists. ForScore is fabulous. ForScore makes an iPad worth it.
There’s no point in being apologetic about needing to get things done. If you need to call a meeting, call the meeting. Nobody has time to talk about why it sucks.
Yoga is essential. Even if there are a million other things to do. Especially if there are a million other things to do.
If you have to get up at dawn, you might as well take a minute to look at the sunrise. Because I am never going to get up this early again if I can help it.
So yeah, that’s a lot of random semi-advice spewage from someone who brings most of the strugs upon herself in the first place. On the bright side, I get to learn stuff, and potentially amuse you!
Wish me luck!
P.S. I’ve also ordered a Harry Potter time-turner necklace online, so if all else fails, that should totally work…