Overcoming the temptation to procrastinate can be challenging with the constant inflow of email, calls, seemingly pressing but not critical tasks, and 24/7 social networking. But you don’t want what you aren’t doing to stand in the way of your own success.
With two businesses and family priorities on my mind, here are seven tips I use to balance the goals in the different quadrants of my life and get the most important things done:
1) Pinpoint your most important goals and what you need to accomplish each week to achieve them
2) Each morning take a few minutes to visualize what you’ll focus on and do a gut check as to whether you have covered your priorities. Is what you’re devoting your time to helping you meet your most critical goals?
3) Set a schedule and stick to it – carve out the time you need for each of the most critical things on your list. If you need to write or do other creative, thought intensive work, block out interruptions and pledge to spend the next hour or however long it takes to get that stage of your project done.
4) Post reminders everywhere within reason that you can – for example, I use my online tasks list and notes on my online calendar but also have white boards posted in a couple of strategic locations to keep my goals front and center.
5) Don’t always say yes. Be politely assertive about saying you can’t do things that you know will derail your goals by taking time away from your priorities. If you are torn because you really want to do something that you know you don’t have time for now, you can always say you would love to do it but in a few months or next year.
6) If you’re stuck, sometimes the best approach is to take a walk and take along a notepad, smart phone, or iPad so you can think through the issues while you stroll and stop and jot down notes as they come to you.
7) Refuel your energy by exercising, getting quality sleep, and eating healthfully most days of the week. I became enthusiastic about exercising when I realized I could recharge and refresh while doing my metabolism and health such a great favor.
I think most people have days when you knock it out of the ballpark and other lower energy days, it’s about plugging away at what’s most important but taking time for fun, relaxation, and family that balances everything.
What are your tips for meeting your goals and making the most of your time?
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