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CAREER MANAGEMENT
Feeling Overwhelmed? Stop! Re-Start With
A Vision Of The Day AFTER The Project's Done
October 25, 2018

By Natasha Marchewka
Voice Actor & Course Creator

When overwhelmed, here's how I plan projects easily.

I try to look at projects from every angle to tackle them as effectively as possible.

Whether moving to a new country with my family or tackling a client promotion, I start from the end and work my way to the present, crafting a scheduled to-do list all at once.

Most of my organizing strategies come from intuition and my need to figure out my own way of doing things. When the sea of overwhelm washes over me, I work to find clarity and freedom.

I'd like to share these strategies, not knowing if they will work for you, but hoping they will help to overcome the uncomfortable-ness of feeling upside down and inside out.

Here's a peak into my process.

STEP #1 – Project to the day AFTER the project deadline

I create a rough list of everything I'd like to have done after-the-fact.

For example, I want to make certain I send thank-you cards. By the time an event comes and goes, I'm way too tired to write out cards. So, I plan way ahead, figure what I want the cards to say and who to send them to, and start preparing them ahead of time.

STEP #2 – Review the new list as a list of mini-projects

I come up with as many mini-projects possible to make the main project successful.

STEP #3 – Create smaller tasks from mini-projects

After the master list of random mini-projects and tasks is done, I break down every item into smaller tasks - the "to-do's" to achieve the end result of a thorough list.

STEP #4 – Set deadlines

Next, I add a date to the tasks as to when they need to be done chronologically. If I'm really overwhelmed, I add how long I think each task will take in order to help myself schedule more effectively.

STEP #5 – Finalize the plan

I create a clean draft of my list in chronological order of all that I have planned, and bask in its glow.
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ABOUT NATASHA
Broadcast and non-broadcast, Natasha has recorded 10,000+ commercials and voice-over projects over the past 12 years, including Adventures by Disney, ZipRecruiter, and Electrolux. With a Bachelor's degree in Radio Television Arts, several years of singing jazz in New York City, and many, MANY jobs paying her dues, she started her voice-over business as an eager entrepreneur. She's also a prolific list maker, which has helped her move her business and family to three different countries. Her course offerings from Master VO To-Do List helps working voice talent get their business on track.


Email: natasha@natashamarchewka.com
Voice-Over Web: http://natashamarchewka.com
Master VO To-Do List Web: http://votodolist.com

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Comments (2)
Veleka Gray
10/25/2018 at 1:21 PM
Nice! Solid, wise advice.
Memo Sauceda
10/25/2018 at 9:49 AM
Great advice! I never thought about starting with the end result, I'll start applying that concept right away.
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