#Sketchtember

DIARY OF A VIVA NINJA – DAY 11-12

Although this is tangential I thought I’d include it anyway. Last month I came up with a drawing challenge – one pencil sketch a day for 30 days – which I called #Sketchtember. It provided a gentle incentive to draw, which I find relaxing. And I did manage it most days, except when I was extremely busy/away from home with work. Despite these missed days, I still managed 30 sketches (plus extra, because I did a couple of ‘warm ups’ before the month began). I wanted to offer it as an example of the kind of micro-projects that make up a PhD – not sketching necessarily (although my transmedia approach did encompass that – see my research website www.thesecretcommonwealth.com). But a PhD is all about good project management and self-discipline. Setting yourself regular goals – short-, mid-, and long-term (and rewarding yourself when you complete them!).  Focusing on a priority task first, then working your way down the list, basically – but ‘little and often’ is far better, (e.g. daily) than trying to do too much. To avoid being overwhelmed, or burning out, small, achievable tasks are better for the motivation. Recently, in preparing for my Viva, I’ve tried to focus on one key task each day. Something I can achieve in an hour or two. This stops the feeling of ‘never enough’. Yes, there is always more you can do, but zoom in on one thing at a time. Get that done. Then next day, when you’re fresh, start on the next on the list. It is important not to beat yourself up about ‘slippages’ – days off; days missed. Life happens. The main thing is to focus on what you have achieved. And now and then,  (e.g. once a week) look back and take stock. You’ll be surprised by how far you have come, and how much you have done.

SKETCHTEMBER sketches by Kevan Manwaring September 2018