A week in the life....

Or rather... A week in my life! My life as a business owner who doesn't have a 'regular' amount of energy. If you've ever wondered what my days look like (because it may seem that I draw and paint all day every day and trust me, I don't) or if you want to know more about how much time I spend managing my business you can find all of the answers in this blog!

Rest

My days are short. My workdays, that is. Because every day, at lunchtime, I spend at least 1 hour in bed or on the couch resting and decompressing. Often even more. But despite these short days, I still get quite a lot done. I'll start with Monday.

Monday

I start a bit boring, because at the beginning of my week I spend most of my focus time on computer and administrative work. So I spend Monday morning behind my computer. I update my inbox, do a focus task, possibly create files for projects that need to go to the printer, sometimes write a newsletter or blog, and schedule social media posts. It's the most boring morning of the week, but I love that after Monday morning I'm 'up to date' and can get into the rest of the week. In the afternoon, it's party time, because Monday afternoon is my painting afternoon!

Tuesday

On Tuesdays, I usually work on projects or things that take a little longer. But I also spend time ordering new stock or making technical changes to the website. Tuesdays are also for going to the warehouse to refill sold out products or having a team meeting with my business manager. After my afternoon break, I no longer touch my computer (at least, that's the intention) and there are tasks like packaging products, signing art prints, scanning new work, or sketching things.

Wednesday

Well, that used to be my 'day off' and I still try to see it that way a bit. But if I'm honest, it's just another workday for me. I try to not use any screens all day. I spend my time painting, but also taking the dogs for a long walk, tidying up and packing. Tasks like taking product photos, writing a newsletter, or starting the first phase fo a new piece of art. Now, in the off-season, it works. But during the busiest weeks of the year this relaxed day often fades into the background and I can't avoid an extra hour (or two) behind my laptop.

Thursday

Thursday is always a nice day! It's my last 'workheavy' day of the week. In the morning, I first check how I feel. Often I'm quite tired from the 3 days that have already passed. If it's really bad, I take a morning off to rest.

I update my inbox again. And I take on all of the tasks that have piled up that I need to do behind the computer. If I'm able to get through the tasks quickly then I can dedicate time to a project. On Thursdays, I also always check the stock and plan or place new orders.

I like that on Thursdays there's room to lounge on the couch a bit longer or walk the dogs for another hour. Do I still have time and feel like it? Then, of course, I'll paint!

Friday

The goal is that by Friday, I've either already done everything that "really needs" to be done, or I have at most one thing left on my to do list. This way, I can finish computer work quickly and can paint for a few more hours.

Weekend?

Yes and no! If possible, I don't use my computer at all on weekends. But I do enjoy painting or tidying up a bit, making new sketches, or packing products! Especially if I got a bit behind during the week due to busyness I've noticed that painting is the first thing that fades into the background. Other things often seem to feel more urgent. Which they usually aren't really. So a Saturday morning spent painting is wonderful! Fortunately, that doesn't feel like work at all, of course ;-)

Am I happy?

Of course, I'm happy! I love what I do! And honestly? If I were to paint for hours and hours, day in and day out, I wouldn't be able to handle it either. I enjoy the variety, although finding and maintaining balance is often a struggle. Balance between creating and organizing. Between resting, recharging, and 'working'. For now, I'm happy with my balance, thanks in part to a great team that does a lot more work that you won't read about here, of course!

So, does my week look different than you expected? I'm curious!

Photo: Merette Kuijt