These days we're so "busy" and are easily distracted by Facebook, Twitter, email, mobile phones or apps, that it can be easy to end up putting off the big things we want to do. When I say big things, I am referring to the things that we know we need to do or the things that we "should be doing" in order for us to be heading in the direction of our goals and our life's purpose. Well, at least this is what I have found for me. And I guess, when we break down these "big" things into step by step goals or daily actions, they're really not so big after all. It was only ever a perception that we had.
So the big question is, how does one go about applying themselves to achieving their goals and not end up distracted? I am still in the process of figuring that one out in its entirity. But I have found a few steps that have been most helpful in allowing me to be more productive, more focussed and getting more out of my days. I thought it may be helfpul for you if I shared some of them with you, to help you being to break the cycle.
The first thing, is to decide what it is that you really want out of life. What is your big picture, your end game, the place you want to end up? This becomes your "why". The reason that you would commit yourself to doing things that you wouldn't usually do, forming new habits. When you know what you are working towards, it becomes easier to focus on the end result. You will do whatever it takes to get you there. This big picture will keep you going on the days when you think you can't go any further.
The next thing would be to list the steps that you need to take to get you there. So for example, if your big picture is to change your career from retail assistant to running your own business, you would probably need to set yourself a timeline of when this would be achieved, what education would you need to undertake, who would you need to talk to about setting up your business, you may decide to join a networking group, develop a business plan, source a premise to run your business from - the list goes on. Then list out the steps that will take you to where you want to be. It's also really helpful to put dates of when you want to have achieved these by. If you're a visual person, make a timeline and stick it up in your office. It will be a constant reminder of the end picture you have in mind for yourself.
From here, it's a matter of looking at your daily actions. How do you structure your days? Are they structured at all? Could you benefit from some structure? Pencil in your diary time for you to carry out something for yourself for that day. And more importantly, make sure you actually do it. During this time, your phone should be off, computer off, no other distractions, just take this time purely and simply for you. For me personally, I find first thing in the morning is great. Mainly because no one else in the house is up and I can give to myself first and then am ready to give to rest of the world for the remainder of the day.
If working from home during the day, I find it useful to plan out my time. Schedule and allocate time in your diary for tasks ie. answering emails, developing business plans, making phone calls etc etc. I also allocate tea breaks, a lunch break and "my time". Then, as I complete each task I tick it off.
If there's a task in my diary that I really don't feel like doing, then I put a timer on for 30 minutes and spend a solid amount of time on that task. I may not complete it, but at least I have put in some action towards completing it. Most of the time though, once the 30 minutes are up I keep going any way beacause I am already in the groove and the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing something dreaded is awesome.
When you sit down at your computer, put a timer on for 30 minutes while you are checking your email/facebook/twitter. This will allow you to become more effective at spending your time wisely, rather than frivilously. I'm not sure if I am the only one that it happens to, but time seems to disappear when I am getting caught up in everyone else's world and their drama. Once the timer goes off, log out of your account and get back to what you need to be doing.
I trust that you've found these tips useful. Have a go at implementing a couple of them into your daily routine, you never know you just may be able to become the "Master of your time", making the most of every day. I will leave you with this thought...
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