Hi -

I'm convinced I should be able to write faster than I do.

Despite six years of evidence that I'm actually slow as heck (which is why you absolutely do NOT want me to charge you by the hour), I continue to plan my days as if I'm the writer I WISH I were, not the writer I actually AM.

I don't (often) miss deadlines. But I (very often) feel stressed and worried and mad at myself for making the same mistake again and again again.

So take it from me...

Pep Talk #050: Overestimate how much time it's gonna take.
For your mental health's sake, pad EVERYTHING.

If you think you need an hour to write an email, plan for 90 minutes. If you think you need 15 minutes to get to an appointment, just go ahead and leave 30 minutes early instead. If you have an hour-long call booked at 3 pm, do not schedule another call at 4 pm. At the very least, give yourself 5 minutes to pee. Do not be a martyr.

OK, well... that was less "pep talk" and more "lecture." So here's the pep-talk part: You are not a damn machine, Kelley. Some days, you'll be fast. Other days you'll be... not as fast. And that's OK! I'm just suggesting you take into account your humanity when you plan your day, that's all.

Fast or slow, you're doing great.

This email is brought to you by my flight to Seattle on Thursday morning, ahead of which I'll be finishing 4785 to-dos,
Kell

P.S. Last week's pep talk had like 275 typos in it. (Or maybe just 3.) I just wanted you to know I know. As an exercise in imperfection, I haven't corrected them in the archives. It's excrutiating... I mean excruciating.

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