I’ve been there... making 89 goals to reach in a month. Heck, a week would’ve been even better! I’ve always been an avid list-maker and that’s what kept me going. But after all the pushing through, I felt empty and oh-so exhausted. I started procrastinating and got frustrated, my energy faded and the fire damped. I knew I wasn’t doing it the right way. I’m an ‘all or nothing’ person and moderation isn’t my forté, but when you’re moving backwards instead of forward, you know you need to revise the things you’ve been doing for so long and choose another direction.
I’ve been researching and looking for new ways to implement a smarter approach to reach my goals more effectively. It surely is a work in progress, but I hope my journey will inspire you to come along for the ride!
Here are a few tips on how to get started. Are you with me?
◆ Define your prioritiesWhat are your top priorities in life and what do you need to do more/less of? In order to be able to set the right goals, you must define the things that are of uttermost importance to you or which need some extra work! For instance, my top priorities are: Finances, Career, Health & Fun/Leisure. So I will make sure my goals are in alignment with my top priorities.
◆ Braindump party Set your timer for 10 minutes, get a notebook and write down EVERY little thing that comes to mind that you must do in order to reach your goal(s). Get very detailed. Your list should include even the most tiny tasks that must be completed. (it shouldn’t take more than a (half) day to accomplish each item on your list)
◆ Fresh & prepared on Sundays Plan about 30 minutes each sunday to schedule your week. Try to keep it to 10 items or less a week, so you make sure you actually hit your goal. Break them down into smaller goals; if you keep plucking 2-3 tasks off your braindump list each day, you’ll be there before you know it! It’s a perfect way to start the week fresh & prepared, without overwhelm!
◆ A full day swing When you’re having a lot on your plate and just you don’t know how to schedule your day most effectively, specify what time of day each task needs to be done. You’ll be able to be productive, without going cuckoo! For example: AM1: 9am-10.30am - write blogpost AM2: 10.30am-12pm - answer e-mails (& possibly social media) PM1: 12.30pm-3pm - work on freemium PM2: 3pm-5pm - take IG photos & update + interact on social media
◆ Start your day with gratitude I know it’s hard (especially on rainy mondays) and I myself don’t always wake up bright and shiny, but strive to attack the day by being grateful. Get yourself a cup of tea, think of all the wonderful things happening in your life or jot them down in your five-minute-journal and listen to your favorite podcasts while getting ready. Stop complaining and get some shit done - nothing good will come from not doing anything at all (and don’t forget to block your social media while you’re on it, seriously!).
◆ Waiting for the right moment I’ve been there - thinking things would get less hectic and I would totally invest in my goals when things calm down. I’m sorry to dissapoint you, but the timing will never be perfect! Stop procrastinating and the self-manipulating, put yourself on the first place, because you’re damn worth it!
◆Ask for help Sometimes, asking for help can seem scary or overbearing, but it’ll surely be worth it in the end. Don’t be afraid to ask! Put your pride aside, if somebody can help you, they surely will! And remember: what you give shall return to you in threefold!
◆ Accept failure You’re only human and as much as we’d all love to have superpowers like Wonderwoman… or Oprah, accept the fact that you’ll most probably fail every every once in a while. No, you won’t get everything done, but your goal shouldn’t be perfection, but progression. Winners are losers who never quit and balance is key.
◆ Me-time Remember, it’s not ‘all work & no play’! Make sure you schedule time for yourself! If your top priority is ‘health’ and you feel your best when you work out 5 times/week, then block that time in your agenda. If you need 5-10 minutes to meditate in the morning or just want go on a fun lunch date with a friend every week, if that what’s important to you and is in alignment of your priorities, then go ahead and have fun!
◆ Rest & recharge Sometimes you just have one of those days. You’re having a cold and don’t feel too well, you’ve only slept for three hours or you just feel blue. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Sometimes all you have to do is focus on yourself in order to feel better and to be able to be productive days to come! Take a rest, don’t overdo yourself... and take good care of yourself – this is the only way you’ll make it in the long run. Slow & steady wins the race!
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