A is for.... Action
We can quickly begin to feel as if we're slipping behind on our New Year objectives, or maybe our work objectives have started to change already as priorities shift.
Although frustrating, it's not a reason to give up. Draw whatever lessons you can, adjust course as necessary and give yourself a second chance.
But unless actions are taken to make your objectives happen, you're about as likely to succeed as you are to win the Euromillions lottery without even buying a ticket! Thinking and talking is not enough..... You've got to roll up your sleeves and get started too.
So What Could Possibly Stop You?
Unsurprisingly, when I meet people beginning to fall behind on their objectives they often tell me 'I don't have time'.
Well, I'm sorry to have to break the news to you, but unless you MAKE THE TIME to work on your chosen objectives, you're unlikely to reach them.
So what can you do to make it easier to swing into action on your objectives, when you're already so busy with everything else in your life?
- Be careful you don't overwhelm yourself with too many objectives
I'm often asked 'How many objectives should I have?' It's your choice, of course. Personally, I prefer to keep it simple and choose just a few I really care about. Too many, and I find I forget them and become demotivated as I seem to make little real progress on any. Typically I prefer to act first on the objectives that'll make most difference,and concentrate efforts on those. This gets a result more quickly, and then I can move on to some more. As you make progress, it's a great confidence booster, and it'll spur you onto the next step too.
- Be realistic about the time needed and available
Sometimes I hear comments such as 'I need a clear 3 hours to work on this'. The reality is you probably don't often get the luxury of a clear period of concentration like that, so nothing happens. Could this possibly be a procrastination strategy for you?
This isn't as obvious as it might sound. it's tempting to fall into the trap of thinking you have forever to finish something - so you don't get started yet. This strategy can really backfire. If the task turns out to be bigger than anticipated, or you're let down by others, or even something as simple as you catch the flu close to the deadline - you're in trouble. For example, my own product launch for the 'Secrets of Effective Time Management' Home Study Course has been setback several months by the recent shift in exchange rates. Who could ever have predicted the rapid shift in the value of the pound and dollar in the autumn of 2008? But my careful plans to manufacture my set of CD's in California had to be reviewed at the very last stage of implementation, and new sources in the UK sourced. The unexpected can catch us out at any time.
- Remember you have all the time there is
The key to success is recognising the wisest choices you can make with that time. So although it may bring temporary comfort to engage in distractions such as turning out desk drawers and lining up your pens in colour order (or whatever your favourite displacement activity is), it's a choice that may be paid for later as the deadline panic gets closer.
- It doesn't have to be perfect to get started
But commonly this desire can stop us in our tracks. You know, conditions will probably never be perfect, we just have to make the best of it with the resources, information and time we have.
You probably know how I love quotes to sum up an idea and thought you might enjoy this one;
'Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.'
(Arthur Ashe, Winner of 3 Tennis Grand slams, the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1975 and ranked no. 1 tennis player in the world)
So if you sense you're beginning to slip behind, or even procrastinate on an objective or two, don't give up on your plans for 2009. Instead, I wonder, what single step could you take today to move yourself beyond 'stuck' and begin creating the momentum that'll lead to success?
Free Resource; Seize Back Your Time! A 2-Part Audio E-Course
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Rosie Gray, a leading expert in improving Time Management and Personal Productivity has worked successfully with clients of all sizes - from household names to small, specialised companies and the Voluntary sector. She's particularly interested in identifying what the highest performers do that makes them successful, and enabling others to learn their techniques and tips easily and quickly. Her approach is practical, highly effective and refreshing.
Please visit www.Mosaic-Learning.co.uk for more articles, information and tips to increase your productivity.
Copyright 2008 Rosie Gray, Mosaic Learning Ltd.
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