Why don’t we set more goals, more often? Is it lack of time, space, energy or focus? Feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to start can impede progress, but don’t be discouraged, there is a solution. The secret is in being organised!
By breaking the goal setting process down and improving organisation at every step, you will soon be setting goals as if it is second nature! Here’s how:
Clarify
Know what you don’t want, but not sure what you do want?
One sure-fire way to get clear is to de-clutter: physically and mentally.
The actions are usually very simple but incredibly effective. Try it!
On the physical level:
- Use ‘no junk mail’ stickers.
- Unsubscribe from excess email subscriptions.
- Have separate work and personal email addresses.
- Get rid of material possessions that do not serve you.
- Ensure everything in your office has a place.
On the mental:
- Use one diary only and consult it daily.
- Learn to say ‘no’ if you don’t already know.
- Make a habit of responding to invitations with a standard “Thank you – I’ll let you know in 24 hours”
- Group your tasks: make phone calls, pay bills, create invoices, respond to emails in blocks of time. Multitasking is so passé!
Commit
With new found clarity you can now commit to your goals. The first step is to write them down. This not only gives your goals energy, but acts as a visual cue. Create a Get Organised And Live (GOAL) book or journal. Avoid post it notes and scraps of paper. Honour your journal by allocating a place for it in your office. If you prefer goal setting software, ensure it too has an appropriate home on your computer. Next, make a plan. Divide your goal into mini goals and set yourself timeframes. Set the final date and work backwards to determine the ‘mini goals’ you need to do each week. Schedule them into your diary.
Celebrate
How good will it feel when you achieve your goal? Tell family, friends and colleagues what you have achieved. Acknowledging and celebrating your achievements will inspires you to do more. Ensure you are organised enough to fit in a celebration. Block out time in your diary, no later than a week after the end goal date, for time to celebrate. And stick to it. Keep a list of all the things you’d like to do to celebrate, so you’ll never be short of a reward! Start now.
Get Organised And Live!!
Roz Howland
Director
InOrder Professional Organising Service
