We all want to be successful in our lives. But life can get pretty hectic for all of us these days and our to do lists just seem to be getting longer and longer.
If you get overwhelmed by all the goals you set for yourself maybe it is time to take a different approach to them.
Have you ever thought of taking baby steps?
Instead of looking at the goal as a whole we can break each goal down into small, easily achieved “baby steps.” This can help to free us up and get us into action, building upon each small success until we achieve our goal.
My friend Debbie wants to get her home office cleaned up.
She knows a clean office will help her to find things more quickly. For her it will become a peaceful haven rather than a place that adds more stress to her already busy life.
However at the moment the thought of even attempting to organize causes her to feel stressed and overwhelmed.
Let’s follow along and see how finding the baby step will get her into action.
Step 1 What is your goal?
My goal is that I want to get my home office organized.
Step 2 What are the specific things you need to get done to achieve this goal?
Bills put away
Filing system and papers sorted
Re-organize wardrobe space for storage
Sort through books I no longer need
Step 3 What is the first tiny step that you can take?
Well I have a bunch of old papers that are not used and are taking up space in the filing cabinet. So if I got rid of those I would have more space for the papers that are all over my desk right now.
Step 4 How will you know you have successfully taken this first step?
My office desktop will be spotless and I will feel relaxed when I sit there.
Step 5 Achievable –Can it be done?
Yes it can be done.
Step 6 Reasonable – What may get in the way based on time, resources or money?
How realistic is your plan?
I may get overwhelmed. I do not have the time. I may get called away by the kids.
But if I put the time marked in my calendar while the kids are at school then I know it will get done.
Also when I play music I feel great so I will do that while I am sorting so I will not feel overwhelmed.
Step 7 Time oriented – When will you do this?
I will be able to do it on Wednesday for 1 hour from 10.00-11.00am. If I want to keep going after that I will but for now I am committing to one hour.
Step 8 Accountability – Insurance for yourself.
I will commit to my best friend that I am going to do this and will also text her when I am done.
Step 9 Celebrate your success!
After I text my friend I will buy myself a bunch of my favorite flowers.
Step 10 Keeping your perspective
Staying in gratitude can take the pressure off as well. After all, in the larger scheme of things it is a quality problem Debbie is dealing with. She has an office and she gets to organize it!
Repeat this process and create a new action step each time. Setting yourself up for success is much more motivating than setting unrealistic goals.
All of your endeavors not matter how big they may seem can be approached in this same “baby step” way.
Even if you just spend five minutes a day taking one baby step those actions will add up to complete your goal more quickly than taking no action at all.
Enjoy
Julie-Anne
Tags: action · Success