Wednesday 4th January, 2023

The first journal of 2023, on Wednesday, like I promised to myself. For today, let me re-introduce to you an idea that I’m re-introducing to myself: ‘Why Wednesdays’.

During the days of lockdowns & with a structural craving… I adapted the ‘weekend Wednesday’ idea from CGP Grey & formed my own mini day off in the middle of the week. Back then, with very little life happening, the pressures of schedules & events weren’t breathing down my neck. I took it upon myself to impose a rigid work schedule for myself: 9am - 1pm, then 2pm - 6pm. These we’re my working hours, 5 days a week. Wednesday I kept for reflection, relaxation, & inspiration. I would cycle around the rich neighbourhoods near me & yearn for some comfort & security. That desire to own a home would give me a little kick, & soon I’d be full of productive fervour. In the time that’s followed, with life throwing me down a bit of an unstable streak, I’ve discarded this self-imposed structure in favour of a more relaxed & recuperative mess. The time for shaping up is now… because it’s January? A New Years resolution? Somewhat… New Year, Old Wisdom.

So, lemmie lay out the purpose of ‘Why Wednesdays’… maybe it’ll speak to you. It could be exactly what you need.

Today, I sat & reflected on how I’m feeling about what I’m doing… I’ve got a smaller show next week on the 10th, & a big ol’ show on the 12th of February. (you may have noticed the pop up ad) I don’t feel ready for these… the performance itself will be fine, I am so looking forwards to the actual performing, but sell tickets? Or inviting ‘industry people’? Or booking the rest of my yearly shows before then? These things are terrifying. I’ve also got my college assignments coming up, along with the fees I need to pay. Then, my next term of classes will begin. On top of this, I’m trying to stay on top of my daily life, my social life… & suddenly, everything is becoming too much.

After sitting with all of this, all of these feelings… I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to do less, & have less, in order to get more from life. I’ve deleted all kinds of video games, identified physical things I can give away or sell, & I’ve realised what’s most important to me: my live performances. Everything else will have to wait. Quite often, when we feel like we’re failing, or like we’re not successful… we can take on too much. We overcomplicate our life & use all of our ‘business’ to pretend like we are, or will soon become successful. This delusion hasn’t gotten me very far. More often than not, it’s just paralysed me with the weight of a huge to do list… it’s divided & conquered me. If you can, focus your energies.

Something else I’ve noticed about taking my Wednesdays ‘off’, is the build up of energy I feel. I really have so much to do, & I’m really feeling the productivity itch. If I can’t scratch today, I’m gonna scratch twice as hard tomorrow… & as the pattern emerges, I will make sure that the work I need to have done on Wednesday, is done on Tuesday. This phenomenon also applies to working hours. If you don’t work after 6, you make sure to get the important things done before 6. Then you have the whole evening to think about what you’ll do in the morning.

That’s why, of the few work exceptions I have for my Wednesdays & Sundays, I make sure to spend some time in the evenings on my to-do lists. When I’m reflecting on ‘where I’m at’, I need to write it all out… I’m a visual guy… I’m also a pen & paper nerd… so it’s natural for me to write it all out. & it’s something that I find useful to do in the late evening, before you go to bed: plan out your next day. It doesn’t have to be a hard & rigid plan, but having tasks that need to be done, in your mind, really help you get out of bed, & get yourself focused. How you start your day is how you live your day. Regardless of how true this is for you… it’s 100% my reality. Sooo… my Wednesday is like one long evening to my week of work. I’ll sit, plan, identify what needs to be done, when, & how. Then, future Nathan just has to follow instructions. Which is much easier that constantly figuring out what’s next to do.

Finally, cause I need to be quick… (I’m going rock climbing today)… I’ll chat about another aspect to my Wednesdays: networking.

Before, I mentioned that overall this year, I need to spend less money, & less time, on coffee meetings with artists & friends. So I’ve chosen my favourite cafe in Dublin, & I’ll stay here for the majority of the day. I’ll write this journal, do some planning & reflection with a coffee or tea, & invite anyone I want to meet with to this place. I’m not worried about crossovers… that’s just an opportunity for people to connect with others. So if you wanna come for a coffee & chat with me… make sure that your Wednesdays are free.

All in all, I’m struggling to get back on the horse. My strict schedule will take time to crystalize. Taking today off from any real work has been really hard. The anxiety & pressure of so much work is eating away at me from the inside… but your days off, & I mean really off… these are just as important for getting work done as your days on. Separate your life & your job, then do both fully when you’re in those hours. You’ll feel satisfied. You’ll see that you’re not just a musician, you’re a person too.

Okay, love ya’ll this week… come to my show on the 10th on Jan.

& buy lots of tickets to my show on the 12th of February!!!

Bye.

Nathan