5 Steps To Get "It" Done

Nearly everyone has at least one project they have been meaning to get done, but just can't seem to finish. Think about the week that has just passed. Did you accomplish anything toward goals you have been wanting to achieve? If so, take some time to celebrate yourself and your achievements. If not, what is holding you back?

The top excuse for people not working on their goals is lack of time. It's true, time is limited and schedules are busy. But there are ways to squeak more out of it.

One way is to make lists of things you want to accomplish. Prioritize the list from easiest to hardest. Complete the easy, fast jobs first to get them out of the way. This will leave you feeling free and energized to work on the bigger projects at the end of the list. You also get a great feeling as you cross those nagging items off one by one.

Second, make a schedule...and stick to it! This really works. Get a daily planner book and write down all your appointments. Reserve blocks of time for goals you want to work on. Schedule future appointments around those blocks of time. This not only assures you of having the time necessary for the job, it also prepares you mentally to tackle it on the given day. Make sure you block off enough time to complete your project!

Third, enlist support from people around you. Tell people close to you that you have been wanting to accomplish some goals, but are feeling stressed about time. Ask for temporary help from family members to perform routine household duties in order to allow you more time for bigger tasks. Ask friends to understand if you are not able to see or talk to them as usual because you are working on something important. People are generally willing to help if you communicate with them.

Fourth, TURN OFF THE TV. Nothing wastes your time like television will. Many people simply have the TV on all the time. This is a bad habit, because you are invariably going to see something that attracts your attention at some point. Once you stop to watch you are hooked for a wasted hour. If you need background noise in your life, try a music station on the radio.

Lastly, clean out your "time closet." Assess what is currently taking up your time and determine if you really need to do it or if there is a more efficient way to do it. Can some of your current tasks be hired out? For instance, if you are not meeting your goals because your time is taken with household chores, consider hiring someone to cut the grass, have your groceries delivered or have a cleaning person come in. A handyman will take care of these services on a temporary basis.

So, what's stopping you now? Get going and work on those goals that have been bugging you. You will feel great when you're done. Oh, don't forget to schedule a few minutes to celebrate yourself and your new accomplishments!