On reducing noise

I profoundly dislike the word busy. It conjures up images of scared chickens aimlessly running around the garden. "Busy's just a polite way to say disorganised," I often quip. Beside, since I imbibed Seneca's On the brevity of life in year 12, I would not want to be caught dead describing myself as "busy".That being said, I like to be productive and engaged in multiple activities. Sometimes, deadlines overlap. I have identified that I can comfortably juggle three key areas of focus, but start bugging if the number goes beyond three. I have - also - learnt how to deal with this limitation. When too many things pile up, see whether one can be completed soon, and tackle it first. Reduce the noise.I had to do that today. I am confirming my PhD next Wednesday; the following day, I'm flying to Sweden, and need to present a full proposal for my new role on the Monday. Meanwhile, I have to organise meetings and accommodation in Europe and Asia, and deal with the many little administrative tasks that pop up when you start a new job, ask for leave from a course of study, or travel internationally. Did I mention a podcast session yesterday, a Hackathon tomorrow, and a prototype language peer-learning event next week? Oof!That was all too much for my little brain. And when it saturates, creativity reduces. So, this afternoon, I ticked off the PhD box, and took advantage of the brain fritter to tackle my admin and email backlog. Tomorrow, I'll be guided by somebody through the steps of a Hackathon, recharge my extraverted energy, and on Wednesday, I'll have only three things to focus on. Problem solved, back to manageable.