Little and often is my mantra of the moment. Looking back over the last few years I can see that it’s a philosophy I’ve been developing and living by for a long time, but I think it’s only been put into words (and more determined action) recently. The phrase isn’t mine, it is something a good friend says often, and is the way he keeps his own busy life, organised and under control.

My own life is far less busy, but energy often is limited, so doing little bits of things on a regular basis (whenever energy allows) really does accomplish stuff. Moreover, the effect is cumulative and builds confidence and feelings of self-worth. Today, I have projects (both finished and ongoing) that have been worked on in very small, manageable stages, one drawing at a time (and even sometimes just one line at a time). I’ve made books and booklets, one page at a time (I’m hoping to write my next book in small, twenty minute pieces of time). There are short podcasts made in five minute bursts of energy, and (almost) daily tweeting, that means I’ve found and posted 1000s of links to wonderful drawings and artists for the world to see.

If I thought of any of these things as a whole I’m sure I would just feel exhausted. But thinking about finding a link to tweet, or an image to draw, or a blog post to write, or something to chat about in a micro-podcast for a couple of minutes, all (usually!) feels manageable.

Recently, I’m discovering, that it’s important to not only keep plodding along doing little things as often as time an energy allow, but to also look back and acknowledge and celebrate what has been achieved. It’s easy to forget just how much one has done. This blog post is a little bit of a celebration for what I’ve achieved. How about you? What have you achieved? I bet it’s more than you think.