I am sitting here, clinging tight to my cup of tea and staring at the pile of work stacked on my desk.
It includes some items I have completed, I just need to file away. There is a section of papers to shred – note to self to be sure I don’t mix up the two. As I don’t read items online very well, I have printed some articles I want to check out. There is that book I am working on, well two actually: one I am reading and one I writing.
And that is just for starters. There is so much more under all that.
So what am I doing?
I am sitting here, clinging tight to my cup of tea, thinking of ways to rearrange my work area. Wondering about tackling all those cables that keep my technology connected. Considering yet another writing project. But then, I could run the vacuum or clean the kitchen. Maybe.
Keeping busy yet getting nothing done. I am frittering away my day.
Are you frittering away your day?
It sounds like a funny thing to ask, like maybe something your grandmother might say, ‘ frittering’ – but think about it. When we become caught up in small, nonsensical tasks where we spend the day spinning our wheels, it could very well be said that we’re frittering. Is this something you really want to be doing?
Rather than waste your time by doing what’s unnecessary, you need to become aware of what you are doing and choose to spend more time in a directed activity designed to help you complete your desired goals. In short, change your perspective about getting important stuff done and proceed past …well…what you’ve been doing.
That which you focus on is where your priorities lie.
Ouch, did I really just say that?
It’s time for you (and me) to get out of your own way and take charge of your life. Here are 5 quick tips to help you get started.
First, Be Mindful of the End Results
Too often, we put off tasks that seem pointless. After all, why should we be wasting our time? It’s just a few steps to the shredder, but that is so minute, I will do it later. That filing can wait until I have finished cleaning the kitchen. So, step one is to remember why you’re doing it. Filing those papers away is such a minor thing, yet completing the task will keep papers up-to-date and easy to locate when needed. And the pages I need won’t get mixed up with the ones I end up shredding 😊 When you have a purpose, it’s easy to get moving, even if the reason you’re doing it is something small and only meaningful to you.
Then, Focus on the Goal
Now take things a step further. You know why you’re doing something. Now imagine what life will be like once this goal is accomplished. Hone in on the benefit, like a clean desk or a finished project. Think about how good it will feel to have this completed, or how life will be made simpler once this is finished.
Third, Stop The Comparison Game
Your entire world grinds to a halt when you start obsessing over what other people are doing or saying instead of focusing on reaching your own goals. The sad truth is, someone will always do it better than you. To get caught up in this game is only going to drive you crazy and keep you from reaching your own goals and desires. A better choice? Compare where you are now with where you were a year ago or five years ago. Focus on your personal growth and accomplishments and make a new goal of beating the records set by the old you.
AND Drop the Perfectionism
Nothing derails you faster than getting caught up in making sure everything is ‘perfect.’ It is time to accept that you’re never going to achieve perfection. It is not possible, so all you wind up doing is forever nitpicking at something without ever finishing the job. Sometimes you just have to accept that ‘good enough’ is ok and then let it go so you can move on to the next thing. Progress over Perfection.
Finally, Indulge in Instant Gratification
Sometimes it just feels good to have a little reward now and again. Keep a supply of small treats like a few minutes playing a favorite game on your phone or even a tiny candy you like for when you reach those important milestones. You’ll be amazed at what a bump this gives to your productivity. Celebrate your progress along the way and you will find it more encouraging to keep moving forward.
In Conclusion
You can’t get to the finish line if you haven’t crossed the starting line. You have to keep moving to advance. With a change of PERSPECTIVE you will find POSSIBILITIES opening new PATHWAYS as you PROCEED.
What is holding you back? I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you or your local group about moving forward. Visit my website, lifecoachTA.com for more information.