David M. Mortensen

the crunch

Dave — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:01:09 +0000

I am 2.5 weeks away from the end of this semester and things are starting pile up and cloud my head. Life can get stressful and as I seek to bring order to this chaos I thought I’d share a few of my techniques:

Make a list. It’s very easy to stress about “all I have to get done.” Often times we stress over the ALL when in reality, after writing things down, it’s really not that much. Now, if you do have a TON to do after making your list then continue onto line number 2.
If I could only do ONE thing: prioritize. Putting thing in order of their priority is nothing new. I know I used to get bogged down by thinking EVERYTHING is priority number one though. Now, when looking at my list of TO-DOs I just ask one question over and over: If I could only do one of these things which would it be? Make it a life or death situation. If you’re honest when answering that question and you keep asking it, then trust me when I say that you will find peace as you accomplish the most important things first.
Compartmentalizing is not procrastination. Once you know where your focus needs to be make sure it stays there. There is nothing positive about stressing about things over which you have no control. Spend all of your time, mind, and energy on the task at hand.

Those are just three steps that I try to use to get things done. If you can’t do everything, make sure you do the most important things.

thank you artsy people

Dave — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:21:54 +0000

thank you fultons!

Dave — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:40:23 +0000

The countdown has begun. Ten days from today I will be flying out to Chicago to attend a 3-day intensive workshop on producing held by the Commercial Theatre Institute and the Theatre League of Chicago. I’m thrilled! Everything is falling into place and I’m feeling less stressed and more calm and confident regarding the experience.

Tonight I’ll start packing and taking care of all the final details (maps, appointments, letters, research, and homework I’ve got to get done first).

LENT – not theatre related

Dave — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 06:46:10 +0000

Even though I’m not Catholic, every year I try to give something up for Lent. I find it a good and faith affirming exercise. Sure, during the year I set goals and work towards them, but I think there’s something about knowing that me and thousands of others are woring to give up a vice for forty days.

This year, I’m giving up two things.

First, I’m giving up 7 a.m. I’ve been sleeping in until 8 or 9 for the past while and I miss the refreshing feeling of being up in the early morning. So there’s one.

Second, I’m giving up sugar. I’m scared of this one. I don’t think I’ve gone a day in my life without sugar but I’m determined that my faulty diet causes me more harm and anxiety than I’ve allowed myself to believe.

These goals may not be all that tough for most people but they’re two of my many vices.

prepping for auditions

Dave — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:22:54 +0000

Tonight is the first round of auditions for BYU’s production of THE GIVER. I’m working as stage manager for this show and while I know I’ve got a handle on everything that needs to be done, for some reason I keep fearing I’ve forgotten something. No worries. It’s just that nagging feeling that keeps you on your toes. Tonight we’re auditioning “younger” actors. Yes, tonight will be the first time I get to interact with stage moms.