From the Get Organized Now! Newsletter - By Maria Gracia
February 20-26, 2011
http://www.getorganizednow.com



See It Through From Start to Finish
By Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

We all have lists of projects and to do lists that we know should get done, but they often get neglected. We never get around to them. There's never enough time. We plan to start tomorrow. There are always too many distractions. The list of excuses could go on and on. Use these tips to get motivated to start your projects and to stay motivated enough to see them through to completion.

1) Eat One Bite at a Time: Many people stop in the middle of a project because they get frustrated or bored with the size of the project at hand and decide it would be easier to do something else. Break your goals down into smaller mini goals that can be accomplished in a small amount of time. You'll be certain to finish these smaller tasks and feel a sense of accomplishment that will push you to continue.

2) Make it Visual: Many charities and organizations draw a vertical thermometer with incremental goals to help them visualize their progress toward a financial goal. You can do the same thing with your project or goal. On a sheet of poster board, draw your own thermometer. Indicate your starting point on the bottom, your completion point on the top, and incremental goals along the side. Place it where you'll see it daily and fill it in as you complete each mini goal.

3) Night Owl or Early Bird? Figure out when you're most focused. Some people can easily focus in the morning and like being able to get things done and out of the way. Others work better in the afternoon and evening when they feel a little more awake. Decide when your most productive time is and schedule your tasks accordingly.

4) Set Reminders: Keep your attention on one thing at a time and set a timer to go off every 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, if you've strayed from your original project, get back to it right away. Keep setting the timer until you've reached your goal for the day.

5) Try to 'Beat the Clock': Competition is often a great motivator for many of us. You can create your own competition by setting a timer and trying to complete your task(s) before the timer sounds. You can do the same thing with a favorite CD. Listen to the CD while you work (as long as it's not distracting) and try to get your work done before the CD is done.

6) Eliminate Interruptions: When you're ready to work, have your answering machine or voicemail field your calls. Turn off the television. Put a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on your door. Resist the urge to constantly check your email. The less you're interrupted, the quicker you'll get your project completed.

7) Write it Down: Write down what needs to be done. When it's written down, it's more concrete, and there's a greater chance you'll start and complete it. It will also be a great reminder of everything you have accomplished as you cross off tasks as they are completed.

Be Accountable: Tell someone what your goal is. Tell them when you'll accomplish it by. They can be your cheerleader and make you accountable for sticking to your word. Check in with them during long-term projects to let them know if you're on track and to receive the necessary encouragement.

9) Set Deadlines: Often we say, 'I'll get to it when I have time.' You won't have time to get everything done, unless you schedule time. Set specific deadlines for each of your mini-goals and stick to them.

10) It's Ok to Say 'No': When you are approached to be on a committee or just spend the afternoon with a friend, weigh the options. If you're too busy and saying yes would add too much stress, it's ok to gracefully say no. You don't have to say no every time. Just know your limits.

11) Get Help: Delegate tasks to friends, family members, co- workers, etc. If there is a part of your project that can be accomplished just as well by someone else, ask them to take on that part. If it is something that you can work on side- by-side, ask them to work on it with you.

12) Reward Yourself: To stay motivated, give yourself a reward each time you complete a mini-goal by its deadline. These rewards should be somewhat simple. They could include a 'chore free' day, taking a nap in the hammock, treating yourself to a piece of cake for desert, or a nice lunch. Your final reward should be the one that is most enticing to you. Plan your rewards before you get started so you know what you're working towards and stay motivated.

Awesome article Ali!! I especially like #12.. more reason to scrapshop!! LOL!!! TFS!