Ever noticed how deadlines have a way of piling up? Remember in high school when it was exam time and all the tests and assignments would hit simultaneously?  How did you handle deadlines?  Did you plan ahead, organize your schedule and prepare in advance?  Or were you the type that let time slip away and crammed like crazy at the last minute?  And if you were a member of the last minute club – are you still doing it today?  Chances are you are. 

Only two more sleeps and I’ll be waking up in my new house.  As I write this I am surrounded by boxes and items piled up.  The kitchen cupboards have been emptied, the painting supplies packed away – my life feels like it’s on hold for a few days.  Thankfully I can still use my computer and blackberry to stay in touch with business partners and clients.  I’m feeling pretty proud of myself.  In spite of the upheaval during the last two months I’ve managed to create two paintings for art shows coming up in June.  I really wanted to participate in the shows and have new work ready and I knew that I would have to complete them well in advance or not get them done at all.    Without deadlines I might not have painted at all.  Life has a habit of getting in the way! 

Deadlines are a gift.  Without them we tend to coast along, telling ourselves we’ll get around to it…later.  I’ve learned to create self-imposed deadlines.  The only way to make things happen is to identify a meaningful goal and choose a date for completion.  Determine both what it will give you, and what it will cost you if you don’t achieve it.  Then break it down into manageable bits.  Know how long it will take to complete each project and gauge the size of the project to the time and resources available to you. Block off the time needed and focus on one project at a time.  And finally, know when to let go and shift to the next project.

Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off the goal! So here are my two new pieces.  Enjoy!  To see more artwork, visit www.maurajoylustig.com. (photos below: Floating Star, Sunset on Stoney Lake)