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for inspiration, strategies, and results |
April 2007 |
Vol. IV - Issue II |
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Words of Wisdom“We are all capable of change and
growth. We just need to know where to begin.” ~
Call Lee today!
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I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce. I'm really easy to get along
with once you people learn to see it my way. I'm out of my mind, but feel
free to leave a message. Any connection between your
reality and mine is purely coincidental. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!? It's a thankless job, but
I've got a lot of Karma to burn off. Do I look like a people person? This isn't an office. It's
Hell with fluorescent lighting. Errors have been made. Others
will be blamed. |
1.
Know your payoff. When the project is
done, how will your life be improved? For example, recall the tremendous
sense of relief you have once your taxes are done or the pleasure you
feel when you see a clean, orderly garage. Identify three benefits you’ll
get from completing your project, put them in writing and read them
often!
2.
Set a deadline. Our anxiety about completing
a project is usually related to not acting. Contrary to popular belief,
a deadline actually decreases
stress by motivating you to act. Set a deadline and let it inspire you
to get started.
3.
Set a start date. We’ve all plunged into
a project without a plan and ended up stuck or frustrated. Setting a
time to begin a project gives you a chance to prepare. For example,
if you set a deadline of completing your taxes by April 1, with a start
date of March 1, you would have time to set up a schedule, get your
forms and papers in place, and line up the help you need.
4.
Do a mind-shift. Replace “I have to” with
“I want to”. When you tell yourself you’re being forced to do something,
you’ll automatically feel rebellious or resentful. Recognize that you
do have a choice about what you do. Look to see how you can take charge
and shift from a feeling of obligation to declaring what you want.
5.
Nibble on a frog leg. Think of starting with
one small piece of the task. Replace “How am I going to finish this?”
with “What small, imperfect
step can I start on right now?” Just focus on what you can do now. If
you do this enough times, eventually you’ll be completing the final
piece of the task.
6.
Timebox it. For tasks you’ve been putting off for a while,
use the timeboxing method to get started.
First, choose a small piece of the task you can work on for 30 minutes.
Then pick a reward you will give yourself immediately afterwards. You
get the reward if you put in the time. For example: watching your favorite
TV show, seeing a movie, savoring a meal or snack, going out with friends,
going for a walk, or doing something else pleasurable. You may discover
you continue working much longer than 30 minutes. When you do decide
to stop working, claim your reward and enjoy it. Then pick another reward
and schedule another 30-minute period to work on the task.
7.
Guarantee fun first. Decide in advance what
hours you will devote each week to family time, entertainment, exercise,
social activities, hobbies, self-care. You know…all the fun stuff.
Then limit the amount of work hours each week to whatever is left. And
take at least one full day off each week where you don’t talk about,
think about or do any work at all. Working longer than 40-45 hours a
week has such an adverse effect on productivity and motivation that
less real work is actually done.
Putting
things off to the last possible minute can be a major problem in both
your career and your personal life. Missed opportunities, overwork,
overwhelm, resentment and guilt are just a few of the symptoms.
I
hope you’ll use some of the tips I’ve outlined to jump-start yourself
into action on a project you’ve been avoiding. Here’s to peace of mind
and a sense of satisfaction of a job well done.
Warmly,
Lee Sumner is a Certified Professional Coach who has successfully assisted hundreds of people in creating high-quality lives. She is President of No Limits Coaching and is a member of the International Coach Federation.
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