Making Molehills Out of Mountains

I have a friend who once described to me how she sewed a top for herself when she had absolutely no time. Apparently, she had fallen in love with some fabric and purchased it, despite having four very young children. One day she got out the pattern pieces, another day she laid them on the fabric, pinning them the next day. Threading the machine was another day's accomplishment. In less time than it takes to tell about it, she had a new top. She did exactly what all the How-To people, books, and articles recommend: break a large task into small, manageable bits. Remember that old joke, How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. I can't do it. In fact, I was ready to yell in frustration just listening to my friend describe her sewing process. I need to jump into a project, giving it my all, until it's done or at least well on its way. l generally put something off until it's built up into a massive project then I finish it in one fell swoop. I find that much more satisfying than nibbling it to death. Is this a genetic preference? It would be nice to know that--so much is being explained that way these days. Or do I simply lack patience? In my logical brain, I understand why this little-bit-at-a-time plan works. I can see very clearly how efficient it is. But just contemplating this system makes me want to pull my hair out. So how does my system work? You can guess, I' sure. Unfinished projects all over the place. I've never eaten an elephant. (Not surprisingly, that doesn't upset me.) So tomorrow I'm going to clean up my act. Thirty minutes with the book I'm studying. Thirty minutes with the journal I've gone back to so I can give my daughter, the new mom, an idea of what she was like as a baby. I'll get a notebook and start a list of new writing projects. And so on through the whole pile of undone work. It would help if I didn't have other commitments in my life, but I'm sure I can do it. I'm sure I'll fly through all the work that's piled up over the past few months. And I won't let myself think about what's bound to collect as soon as I think I'm done. It will work. As long as I wake up perfect in the morning.