Time Management for Creative Types

A few years ago I came up with one of my many ways to organize creative projects. One problem creative types have is that they are always brainstorming new ideas and wanting to work on the 'new' project. This time management system allows you to cycle through your projects and make gradual progress on each without letting any of them go stale:1. Put all your projects on 3x5 cards or large sticky notes.
2. Set minimum, and maximum time frames that you will work on each project according to your priorities.
3. Post your cards on a magnet board with a piece of masking tape.
4. Place a magnet on the board like a game piece.
5. Cycle your game piece over the cards in the order you've put them up on the board.

I only have to touch on a project for 5 minutes, but I have to do something on it before I move on to the next project. Usually, once I'm into the project I spend more than 5 minutes, but I try not to spend more 30 minutes on small projects and 120 minutes on major projects.

I'm flexible with these time frames, but it keeps me moving and gets me working on things I know I need to do, but might otherwise avoid. For example, I've inserted exercise inbetween every 2 projects, because improved health is one of my major goals.

After working with this system and fine tuning it, I'm really pleased with the results. I can get depressed if I work on the same project nonstop for several days in a row (especially when it is web design or marketing). This keeps me touching on all the things I want to accomplish and yet is flexible enough that I don't feel trapped by my schedule.

I hope you find this of use!