We are all brought down in our productivity by things that keep us from working at our full potential. It is easy to become discouraged and let things like procrastination and a lack of motivation keep us form achieving the wonderful things that we should. The good news is that it’s actually very simple to avoid these things and keep ourselves efficient, and with a little planning and the right attitude, we can become capable of achieving magnificent feats.
1. We start small – recognize your goals. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish, or where you want to be. Although this may seem obvious, it’s important to always know exactly what you’re striving for. Keep in mind it doesn’t matter if its trying to figure out how to get that new sports car or how to spend more time with your family – these steps can help you achieve whatever it is you want, but the first step comes completely from you. You can’t achieve something if you don’t know what you want, so you first have to answer that question.
2. Now for the second step: write them down. This may sound like a waste of time, but it’s actually more important than you think. Generally, when it comes to productivity, most people lack in one of three areas. - They can’t see what needs to be done, they can’t keep track of all the things they have to get done so they tend to forget and get behind, or they procrastinate and lack the will to actually get anything done. We’ve already taken care of the first problem with step one – and now we’re going to handle the second. By writing your goals down, you help strengthen your commitment, and because you have a simple list you can easily access, there’s no reason to forget your plans and goals. Take a look at your list often.
3. The last of those three problems is procrastination, and it can be the most difficult. Some of us are just natural procrastinators, and getting over this largely depends upon your own determination and persistence. I do have some advice, however. It seems to me that when most of us procrastinate, we’re swapping what we don’t want to do with what we do – we trade work for pleasure. One way you can help you avoid this is to make sure that your goals don’t devour you – make sure you don’t overwork yourself, and when you’re setting yourself a schedule or plan, include some time for you to do the things you’ll enjoy. You’ll keep yourself happier this way, and you’ll be more able to focus on and stick with your work.
4. Once you have your goals written down and a rough schedule of the times you can set aside to work towards them, you need to make sure that you actually get things done. This obviously requires will and determination on your part – no self-help article is going to make it happen! What I can offer you, however, is some advice on getting the ball rolling. There is an old Chinese proverb that goes “It does not matter how slow you move, so long as you do not stop.” This has strong application here – make sure to get something accomplished each day, no matter how small it may seem. As long as you are in the habit of getting something done, your project will progress. It is when you stop working altogether that it becomes incredibly difficult to get started once again.
5. Finally, create reminders of why you are doing what you are doing. Everyone has a reason for their actions, and everyone has things that motivate them. If you want a big promotion at work, occasionally think about how nice a new sports car would be, or about how much better your job would be. Stay in touch with your motivations – they will keep you going even when you’ve lost all will to continue forward. A motivated person is a powerful person, and is capable of doing anything they set their minds to. Don’t forget the purpose behind your project, and you’ll find it much easier to accomplish.
Attitude and planning can mean the difference between failure and success. Figure out your goals and write them down. Commit yourself to these accomplishments, and once you’ve done so, start figuring out how to accomplish these while still leaving time for yourself. Make sure that each and every day you achieve something, no matter how big or small. And make sure to keep your motivations and desires at the front of your mind. Follow these steps and you’re sure to become a far more productive and successful person.
© Adcidia™ 2010 (Article99.com)
