What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?
My biggest scary situation is being well-known. But, stepping out in faith in my creative work may bring that result. So I will trust God for ways to manage that fear.
By Rosemary B. Althoff
December 15, 2024
Are you concerned about divisiveness in our country? Do you wish you could talk to friends about politics and/or religions without arguing?
My book, HEALING AMERICA, teaches skills that help you share with others about what’s deeply important to you. Each chapter includes an explanation of concepts foundational to communication in a democracy. Not only that, but the chapters include:
a short quiz for comprehension,
a practice in using the concept, and
space to journal your experience and see the concept at work in your life.
I am no stranger to agonizing over decisions both large and small. And the book, The Next Right Thing, by Emily P. Freeman has helped … it has really helped me rest.
A wise person said that we aren’t made to create our own meaning. Rather, we are intended to live in God’s meaning. I can rest with this saying. Thank you, Lord, for all I have and can be and do. Thank you for giving my life meaning because you love me unconditionally.
If you have much to do, with multiple projects in hand, here is a bit of advice.
First let me tell you a story.
Some years ago, I worked as the composition manager for a law-publishing company called Business Laws, Inc. (It has since been sold.) I was in charge of quality control of about 120 publications and nine composers. There were at least nine projects to manage the process and physically review before publication at any one time.
At first, I was swamped. My boss suggested that I “feather my projects,” but I had trouble doing that. because the workload was so huge and everything was IMPORTANT and URGENT! My desk piled up and I was under constant pressure. The stress almost overwhelmed me—and the people under my supervision.
However, I began to learn how to manage it all.
First, I noticed what people did right, and I told them about their good work. The company had a goal of 97% accuracy and 3 months of processing supplement books; more time if it was a completely new volume. But, due to the great flow of incoming projects, many were late. I withheld criticism of lateness, but noticed the average length of time it took to complete each type of project.
I leaned on the editors to submit their work to the composers as clean as possible. They did! Yay—less time to correct errors!
My boss analyzed the average completion time of the project, and she set due dates accordingly. I toughened my reviews while continuing to talk to the staff and—although I was tough on errors—I saw their willingness to pursue excellence, and showed my gratitude for my great staff.
The tension in the whole company eased. Editors were happy, because they knew what to do and how. Composers were happy because they knew their reasonable expectations and knew they could succeed. I taught some skills and kept up with consistent types of errors.
By the time I left, the 120 or so projects “feathered” easily and were cumulatively 99% accurate plus on time to the very Day projected.
So, the key to good work on multiple projects includes:
I’m currently handling a big load of personal writing projects. I need to analyze my reasonable completion goals, and maintain an encouraging attitude toward myself.
May you, too, find excellent and satisfaction in your projects.
Rosemary B. Althoff
Speaking the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15 ESV)
Website: https://rosemaryalthoff.com
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Rosemary Althoff, Author 