Life is What Happens

"Life is what happens when you're busy making plans" is often ascribed to John Lennon. Some cognoscenti said it predates Lennon, but that isn't as important as the message the phrase conveys. A lot can slip by when you are focused on other things.


I know this, because it has been months since I have posted to this blog. Granted, there was a lot going on in my life then, but rather than charting and steering the course, I was swept down the raging rapids. When I finally reached still water, I was amazed at the time and opportunities lost.


In Web Design and SEO it is particularly important to not only make plans, but also to implement them. Success in this arena requires juggling many projects, with diverse steps and keeping each one moving forward as if it were the only one.


Since Web Design and SEO are both science and art, it is not a surprise that many of us can be seduced by the creative, right-brained tasks where our only constraints are the borders of our imagination. Time and project management can suffer as a result. Remedies can include project analysis, careful scheduling, and a realistic take on our capabilities and limitations. While it is tempting to schedule based on best case scenario, it is better to plot some time for the unexpected.


Project management software can take some of the work out of moving diverse projects forward, but are only useful when they are given the proper weight in our work plan. Take 20 to 30 minutes at the start of the day to get an overview of all projects to see that they are scheduled properly. Then we can devote our attention to the more right-brained tasks which give our work that signature style. Remember to factor in unexpected interruptions. Allow for callbacks and customer contact. Acknowledge the fact that there will be times when the answer isn't as clear as first thought. Then, remember that we are getting paid for doing what we love, and resolve to do what it takes to make it shine.