This week’s post was supposed to feature me triumphantly showing off my comic book. Instead, I am here frowning with frustration because it’s still not finished.

It’s been one of those weeks when some things flowed smoothly but others seemed doomed for failure right from the outset.

Losing Momentum

My comic book project has been put on hold for several weeks after my printer ran out of ink just as I wanted to print it. Because it’s an older printer, I can’t go to the nearest store for replacement cartridges. I decided not to order online because we were going to the big shopping center within a week or two anyway. When we made the trip, I bought the cartridges at the office supplies store, then they sat on the shelf for a week or two while I finished off other tasks. Due to a combination of circumstances, today became my goal day.

Today’s full schedule included finishing the comic book cover, setting up the printer and assembling the project. A computer that decided today was go-slow/refuse to work day turned busy into impossible.

Remember to Set and Stick to Early Deadlines

It is just as well the deadlines on the comic book course are flexible, otherwise I would have failed this class dismally. On the other hand, when I know hard deadlines are looming, I try to finish a couple of days ahead. Sometimes, a lack of deadlines can lead to procrastination.

I’ve had to readjust my self-imposed deadlines. I am determined to finish, so look out for my finished comic book next week! By the way, it’s a first attempt and I am no great shakes at drawing. I have decided that even though I will complete this one, I am unlikely to make any more comic books.

A Final Thought

Don’t count on being able to finish tasks at the last minute, because if the gremlins strike your just-in-time management becomes an out-of-time unfinished task.

By Pat Bowden, published November 28, 2018.