Listen to your self talk (Preparation):
- If you've been putting off a certain task, listen to what you're telling yourself that's preventing completion of that task. Ironically, completing a task often takes half the time you expected so you've spent more time putting it off than it takes to just get it done.
- Decide to focus on a task and to not allow your mind to shift to past regrets, future worries, or simply daydreaming. You'll be surprised how quickly and painlessly you can complete a task and accomplish a goal when you gain control of your mind — as well as how much easier your life is made by the increase of happy coincidences.
Move your to-do lists, roles, and goals to your calendar:
- Instead of cramming all your tasks onto one, long, intimidating list (or several such lists), move them all to your calendar. Keep your life organized, motivated, and balanced by planning your activities and goals according to your roles: as an individual, parent, friend, worker, partner, patient, family or club member, neighbor, etc.
- Determine each role's priority and appropriate amount of time to devote to each role's tasks, then break the goals for each role into small manageable steps assigned to specific timeframes on your calendar. Now your tasks won't get overlooked or lost, you won't feel as overwhelmed, and you can actually schedule free time to relax.
- In case a task [one step toward a specific goal] can't be completed in the allotted time, reschedule it for another time on your calendar, and move on to the next task. Think how inspired and proud of yourself you'll feel when you see your calendar with all your accomplished tasks and goals.
Keep your perspective (Follow Up):
- Schedule time each day to review your calendar, to celebrate your accomplishments, to recommit to your goals, and when necessary, to reprioritize your goals and tasks.
- Also consider outsourcing some tasks to others so you can have time for more important tasks, time to spend with others, or just time to relax.
- Understand that any 'work' will take as much time as allotted to it — the less time allowed, the faster you work.
- Forgive yourself though for not being perfect and taking longer to complete a task than you expected.
- Also accept that you may never be able to complete some goals or tasks. Realize that perfection is a work in progress so allow yourself time to learn.
- Most importantly, also schedule time each day to reflect, daydream, or just drift without any pressure to accomplish anything.
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