Comments on: Averting Tension or Disaster (or both)

By: Caroline G. Keyser

Caroline G. Keyser — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:12:24 +0000

Hmm…I've had four out of the top seven stressors you listed in the past year (everything except baby, divorce and death, thank goodness.) I've dealt with them in a variety of healthy and unhealthy ways, and am still trying to figure out what works best for me. But generally, I've found that the old cliches–calling a friend, getting outside for some exercise, eating right and getting enough sleep–really are the best remedies. Oh yeah, and I've also discovered yoga this year.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:13:57 +0000

Hi Lorraine!

I have a bit of a reprieve - an extra week before they arrive - so I can get more done in that time. I think the notion of getting up at 3 would just kill me! You must have been so tired at noon!

I could outsource the tapes, but I've got a method of writing down where I scan the tapes after setting up the subheads and pull out the most powerful quotes. I've pretty much stopped transcribing, amen. I have everything digital now, so it's easier to keep my notes verbatim, so to speak. But if the project were large enough, you bet I'd farm those out!

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:14:42 +0000

Hi Lori:

I do it the same way you're doing it--by organizing and churning copy out ahead of client deadlines. That way if I have any unexpected leeway later, I can polish or look at things with fresh eyes.

I'm a morning person so I also cope by sneaking in extra hours early in the morning--this works well when I have guests or my eldest son is home from college.

(When my kids were very young I would set the alarm for 3:30 am and work until 7:00am when they awakened. Very glad those years are over.)

If you don't already, might I suggest you outsource transcriptions of your taped interviews?

I'm sure your excellent work will please your clients--and you won't be sorry you made time for your company.

Thinking of you!

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:26:33 +0000

So far so good, Anne. The day went off well. I got more accomplished than I expected. Let's hope for four more days like this!

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:22:45 +0000

I remember to breathe… seriously… when I get tense I tend to stop breathing deeply… breathing deeply really helps… and I don't skip meals because my thinking goes blooey if I'm hungry.

hang in there kiddo

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:49:38 +0000

Oh Eileen, if I had a spare minute, I'd give it to you. Hang in there - I know you'll meet that deadline.

Devon, one thing is certain - the IRS excels at telling you if you've made a mistake. I think I'm on their "preferred fool" list. ;)

I did forget that one, Colin! Wait - mine is 21. The requests become more expensive.

So far today, Kim, things look good. But you never know what tomorrow brings!

By: Eileen

Eileen — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:59:02 +0000

I'm facing tension and disaster right now, and at this point, I can't say I'm going to win. I have a non-negotiable Friday noon deadline for a very large project that I got a late start on. I have a bad head cold and can barely compose a sentence, much less 5000 words of sales copy. My children are on their Easter break and making lots of noise in the house. And my husband on short notice scheduled himself for knee surgery tomorrow and will need my time and attention for at least a full day. I am just plugging away doing what I can and hoping it will be enough.

By: Kimberly Ben

Kimberly Ben — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:34:03 +0000

Wow. I'll be checking it to see how you handle this one. I'm sure you'll triumph.:)

Sadly I haven't taken much time off since I started freelancing, but I'm planning for at least one getaway this year. I'll let a couple of regular clients know I'll be away and probably double up to get their projects done before the big day.

By: Colin Galbraith

Colin Galbraith — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:43:45 +0000

You missed one: teenage daughters 🙂

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:37:43 +0000

Clear it off my desk as fast as possible. Only way for me. I can't enjoy the personal time with a deadline over my head.

I was supposed to do my taxes this weekend and didn't. Schedules A, C, E all for me, plus my first time doing the quarterlies.

The sad thing is, honestly, I don't give a damn. I'll do them, I'll get them in on time, and if I made a mistake, they'll tell me.