Managing a Team of One

In June, I started Marketing Writing Bootcamp, a 13-class course by MarketingProf.com. It was my personal test to see how well I’d manage myself and online coursework. To-date, I’ve completed three sessions within the course and five sessions that are non-course related.

Fail. Not epic fail, but still a solid ‘D.’

I’m excited that I’m consuming writing and marketing advice, tips and trends from industry experts per my MarketingPro pro course. But I’m not happy that I can’t seem to manage my personal time to consume and prioritize this great course work!

Here I am, two months later, thinking about how I can utilize my professional project management experience and Type-A personality to (1) be a better steward of my dollars (the workshop isn’t free) (2) prioritize and schedule the remaining 10 courses over the next five weeks (that’s two sessions per week – easy?!) and (3) reward myself when I achieve success.

My Proposed Plan of Attack

1. Create obstacles that will prevent lounging on my nap-worthy couch post-workout or post-work. To do this, the first idea that pops into my head is to scatter all clean laundry on my couch so I’m forced to sit at my desk twice a week … well, I guess every day for five weeks.
2. Remove all wine from fridge, yummy snacks from cabinet and fictional reading material from living room so I’m not tempted to find distractions, excuses or interesting reasons to “take a break” 10 minutes into a session. Thank goodness I don’t smoke!
3. Schedule a set time on Mondays and Wednesdays to complete a course on those respective days (= two courses a week) for five weeks.
   • Reward self with new paperback, piece of chocolate or glass of Pinot Grigio if I complete three courses in one week. Since said rewards will not be in home (see item No. 2), extra reward will be outing outside of house – hopefully a location with comfy couches or chairs.
4. Take short breaks at work away from the computer versus sitting at desk staring on said computer for hours on hours. This “process” has resulted in migraines and disinterest in sitting at desk at home, staring at computer for hours taking coursework.
5. Reward self after course completion with three fabulous prizes:
   • Mindy Kaling’s and Elizabeth Gilbert’s new books, Why Not Me? and Big Magic, respectively. Both have been pre-ordered but will not be read UNTIL I COMPLETE MY COURSEWORK (all caps used to emphasis my commitment).
   • A trip to Arizona Spa or San Francisco/Napa Valley – regardless if it’s a solo trip. I’ve been putting my travel off when friends back out versus embracing a solo adventure a la Cheryl Strayed in Wild. No longer.

I’m sure I’ll come up with other ideas, but this feels like a pretty solid plan. A plan that is officially in writing so no backing out. Start date: Monday, Aug. 17

Side note: I love my co-worker Shannon because she gets my pain of “managing a team of one” and my love for Mindy Kaling. So, thank you Shannon for sending me the following meme from The Office. It was my inspiration for this post.