There are a few tasks in an annual checklist for me to do on or around January 1. (Some get done a little later…say, on a January Snow Day.
- Update my bio. Doing this every year means never having to scramble when someone asks me for one. Having it on my website means I can point someone to it easily.
- Update my works list. I spent hours a couple years ago creating and cross referencing my works list, which numbers 240 as of the most recent update. I have a spreadsheet with tabs by category, and the first time update to show a tally by category. The last thing I do is rename it with a new date; the name of the spreadsheet is now “Jed Scott Works List Current 1/1/25.” Until next year!
- Related, I am working to streamline my process of publishing my works, either through Sheet Music Plus or one of my publishers. Stay on the lookout for new publications! These are true back-burner jobs, but essential for building my public library. I’d like to make this a regular job with a Snow Day trigger!
Systemizing these kinds of needed but rare bits of work makes it easier to remember to do them. January 1 works well for me but other dates might work well, too!