One Step at a Time

So many things I need to get done.

Grad school applications are due Friday. I still need to finish editing my personal statements and make sure my references turn in their statements.
I start a huge psychology experiment. The survey has to get sent out tomorrow, so it can be open for a week, and then I'll still have a week to run data analysis and write the paper so the rest of my group can make a presentation. Oh, and this experiment will also be presented at a conference in the spring.
In addition, I have my normal course load, with the chapter readings and projects to complete.

Honestly, it isn't that much. The change in scenery, coming back to school, has me slightly unsettled. I still need to clean and put stuff away before I'll feel like I can relax. Part of me knows I'm just overestimating the amount of time, and importance, of various things.  Honestly, the best I can do is just take things as they come. I'll find time... plenty of time. and My teachers are understanding if I need an extension or two.

I'm trying to learn how to use my time efficiently and focus. Not just my thoughts, although that's a big part of it, but my actions. Sitting here stressing, making the lists and plans and calendars ultimately doesn't get the job done. At some point, I just need to start. To see the steps that make up the whole and just begin. Currently? That's picking up one thing at a time from my luggage and putting it where it goes. Tomorrow, it'll be one assignment at a time. Each of those start with opening the right document and doing what needs to be done.

The list may be long. The time feels short. But there is so much more time, actual, workable time in a day than I credit myself. I underestimate my abilities to complete the task quickly, consistently overestimating how long something will actually take once I get started, especially when it comes to personal work. Of course, I have the projects that end up taking longer than I really would have liked them to... but everything will get done in its time, and it'll work out the best I can make it.

It'll all be okay.