In the past I have always sort of scoffed at those little motivational messages, like “Set a timer for 5 minutes and finish your task!” Pffft. Whatever, I’ll get it done in my own time, my own way. Well, now I realize that this is actually a very effective way to get a lot done in a short period of time. But because very little on my task list can be done in 5 minutes, my timer is set at around 3 hours. This happens to coincide with how long little Eva sleeps! After I get her comfortably and 100% sleeping, the timer begins.

My typical day involves checking email, updating the project schedule, making sure all our employees have questions answered and a work agenda for the day, lunch, more emails, maybe some design and/or brainstorming, and if I absolutely have nothing else to do, dreaded paperwork. Paperwork includes payroll, retirement contributions, organizing papers for filing, budgeting, taxes, bills (ick!) and anything that requires a call to customer service (double ick!). This is usually the very last thing on my agenda. Of all the hats I wear in the office, the finance manager role is my least favorite. But alas, the work still needs to be done and as much as I may dread it or procrastinate, typically it’s just faster if I do it instead of delegating. If we hit it big, this will likely be the first position I hire for! (more…)