Set A Goal – Write It Down – Get Started
Getting over procrastination takes action. Of course, that is easier said than done. Today I’m going to share a simple three-step process with you that will help you get off your butt and get more done than you ever thought possible.
It all starts with a Goal. You have to know what it is you want to accomplish. if you don’t know what your goal is, it’s hard to know what you should be doing first or what you should be doing right now to move in the right direction. So what do we do instead? Anything other than the work we know needs to get done.
Your goal is simply putting what you know you need to get done into words. A good goal has defined parameters and a set deadline. That doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple goal we all strive to accomplish. We have to file our taxes by April 15th. You have a pretty good idea of what paperwork you need, would forms you need to fill out, and where you need to turn them in. You also know what your deadline is. In other words, you have a well-defined goal when it comes to filing your income taxes. And yes, I realized most of us still procrastinate when it comes to this particular task. That’s why the remaining steps are just as important as the first one. For now, I want you to think about one thing you need to get done and turn it into a goal.
Write it down. I don’t care if you find a random scrap of paper, use your favorite notebook, or type a note to yourself on your phone. The important part is that you put your goal into writing. This does two things. First of all, it helps you clarify what your goal is. You have to get pretty specific when you try to put what you want or need to do into words. Secondly, writing it down gives you something to look back on. It serves as a reminder and as a tool that you can use when you are tempted to procrastinate.
Last but not least, it’s time to get started. There is such time as SOMEDAY on a calendar. That’s often the hardest part, isn’t it? You’re tempted to skip your workout until you lace up your shoes and get started. Once you’re off and running, it’s much easier to keep going. Once you have your goal written down, think about something you can do right now to move you in the right direction. Go do that. Then come back and do something else. Each morning, start by looking at your goal and challenge yourself to take action. Before you know it, you will have made some serious progress. And you’re starting to beat procrastination.
Making a list is a great way to stay on course. When younger,I could keep these lists in my head ,but now I find it more convenient to have them written down
Also a list helps with priorities and interruptions.
Great post Chuck
Nancy
Are you writing on paper with pen or pencil, or on a digital notepad?
I love handwriting in a spiral notebook every day. One of the things I always write down is what I want to get done today. It’s a great approach. I can use the list to check off the items that I’ve accomplished throughout my day. If I didn’t do some of them, my list is available to look at another time to judge each item’s relevancy and urgency. Thanks for the reminder and the tip on putting a date down too.
I am a firm believer in WRITING on paper. The thoughts, ideas, etc seem to project into the subconscious more readily
BUT…
Ever since my massive coronary and open heart surgery in 2004, there have often been disconnects between brain and fingers, so I do use Speech to text often.
Thank you for your input