How to Plan Your Day and Stop Wasting Time

November 30, 2010 by Annette
Filed under Daily Inspirations

6 Most Powerful Steps in Achieving your Projects and Goals

August 25, 2009 by Annette
Filed under Business Vision Success

Life is full of projects and goals. Home related projects such as the garden needs an overhaul or the shed needs clearing – Personal related projects like updating your Will or writing the book you have been dreaming of for years – Work related projects such as reviewing your business plan or updating your website.

One of the most common questions I am asked is ‘how do I overcome procrastination’ and start/complete the things I know I need and want to do? Here is the 6 most powerful steps that will support you in achieving your projects/goals.

1. Write down your project with a deadline

Having a clear end result of your chosen project and a ‘when by date’ are both the ticket to freedom. This can decrease stress by motivating you into action. Any anxiety about completing a project is usually related to ‘inaction’ and this uses up an enormous amount of energy. When you state your readiness to achieve a clearly defined goal with a ‘when by date’ in place, you release this energy into good use towards achieving your project/goals.

2. Choose someone to hold you accountable

Put ’supportive accountability’ in place. When left to our own devices there is a tendency to procrastinate in your action orientation, especially when it relates to a project that takes us out of our comfort zone. By asking someone to hold you accountable in a supportive way, your project/goal will become a ‘positive pressing’ priority. Choose someone who has your best interest at heart and ask them to check in with you to be sure that you are on track. Be sure to celebrate your milestones and end result together.

3. Set a commencement date

Now that you have a clear project, a when by date and someone to hold you accountable, you are ready to set a formal start date. Give yourself time to plan and prepare. Yes plan being the ‘operative’ word. For example if you have a when by date to complete your taxes by July 1st with a start date of June 1st, you will need to give yourself a chance to clear your schedule to get the necessary forms and resources in place before you get into trouble and put yourself under pressure. Too often we plunge into a project without a plan and end up getting frustrated and overwhelm because of underestimation of time frames to get things done.

4. Set clear boundaries to support your progress

Think of this step as casting a wide net around you and your project so you are protected while you work. For example, if you need to complete a report for your job, you will want to schedule uninterrupted time in your office. This might require a conversation with co-workers about needing space and a willingness to avoid emails and phone calls until you have completed the job. Ask yourself “What boundaries do I need to put in place in order to have the emotional and physical space I need to get this project completed?”

5. Take frequent breaks

Often when I coach clients to complete a tough project, they often start with a ‘push through to the end’ mentality. For example, they are willing to work ridiculous hours at the expense of their lives. While this might get the project finished, it forms a negative relationship to project completion which only fuels procrastination in the future. You will want to create a positive relationship by taking frequent breaks. Enjoy the process and give yourself a break during the project planning.

6. Identify your ‘WHY’ – keep them in view

When the project is complete how will your life improve? What are the benefits of completion for you? Identify 3 benefits you will receive from completing your project, put them in writing and keep them in view. There are many benefits to completing a project – the satisfaction of a job well done, the peace of mind that comes from no longer beating yourself up for not acting plus the many physical benefits that go along with your completed project.

Many parts of life is about the process of completing projects in some form or another. What project has been hanging over your head? This month, follow the 6 steps and free yourself from the bonds of incompletion and procrastination so you can enjoy more of your precious time.

“First, have a definite, clear practical idea; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end.” – Aristotle.

Tags: accountability, boundaries, goals, procrastination, projects