How to Set Goals and Execute them Effectively
How many times have you been sitting at your desk, trying to work on a project but you just can't get into it. You've probably done it a million times; you set off your projects and tasks for a later time only to feel the stress of the deadline coming soon.
However, you manage to get things done; in some ways, the stress worked out for you. Now, what if you could turn that helpful stress into productivity and create a mindset where you always got things done? Continue reading this article and you'll learn the secrets of destroying procrastination and accomplishing all your goals.
♦ Step 1: Have a specific goal in mind ♦
Many people that start working on a goal write down ideas that are simply too broad. If you were to become a doctor, you don't start with the end, you must make the steps in between; perhaps you just need to get into college first.
When developing your project, have a very definitive goal in mind so you know exactly what you want to achieve.
♦ Step 2: Set a deadline ♦
When you first begin working on a project, set a deadline. A deadline will give you a definitive start and end point which allows you to track your time.
For best results, give yourself a little less time than you originally planned; this shorter time creates a feeling of urgency which subliminally gets your mind into 'ready mode'.
♦ Step 3: Challenge yourself (publicly) ♦
With the deadline set, you'll now be doing something that few rarely do but others have done to achieve their success - tell your friends. Tell your friends about your goal and promise if you don't make the deadline you owe them something.
Because you now have built public awareness around your goal and deadline, you'll be 'under the fire' which will drive you to avoid disappointment.
♦ Step 4: Reward yourself at milestones ♦
Along the way, to avoid burn out, you should reward yourself when you reach a milestone. Rewarding yourself (even nominally) subliminally plants that you're going in the right direction and helps you strive to hit the next milestone.
♦ Step 5: Manage your time ♦
A crucial part of ending procrastination and achieving your goals requires you to manage your time. When you have an entire month to work on a project; you'll take an entire month. On the other hand, if you set only a few days and planned when you were going to work, you'll accomplish it in less time because of the helpful stress you're building upon yourself.
♦ Step 6: Annihilate your procrastination and get things done ♦
Finally, don't be caught up in the little details that stop you from accomplishing your goals. When you convince yourself that you must learn just 'a little bit more' or practice 'a little bit more', you're delaying your success.
Take what you know now and just run with it; you'll learn the rest as you go. When you set a specific plan in action, challenge yourself and manage your work, you'll say bye-bye to procrastination once and forever; you'll realize your goal - you'll get things done.
