One of the duties at my new job is architectural plan reviews, which includes both drawings and specs. The hardest part of the task getting started; it is daunting to look at break open the massive drawing set and multiple specification volumes that need official owner comments.
I’ve had a design development set staring at me for a few days now, mutely shaming me every day that passes without any progress. I tried to start the markups a few days ago, but I could not concentrate. The eyes glazed over and I was mindlessly flipping pages. Mercifully, an interruption came up and I didn’t end up wasting too much time on this fruitless attempt.
Last night, I began to review it in earnest. Again, it was slow going to start, but I suddenly remembered to pull out the yellow highlighter (which I use to mark off notes that have been read) and I soon slid into a nice groove.
I’m certain that shear repetition will make this task less daunting after each completed review. But I also suspect that getting started will become easier because I’ll get better at setting the table sooner rather than later. When confronted with a mountain of paper, I’ll start by pulling out the yellow highlighter and red pen, letting these simple objects prime my brain for the task at hand.