I have yet another confession to make. If something pretty, new, exciting…”SHINY” comes along, I have a tendency to forget all about what I’m supposed to be doing. What? Do you think I’m only transparent when it makes me look good? The “shiny” can be Pinterest (it’s the devil…), my girls showing me the latest dance, Facebook, TV, co-workers, my willingness to always lend an ear and a shoulder…you get the point.
So if you are living your life so willy nilly, how are you able to accomplish anything?
I’m glad you asked. Here’s how I overcome the “shiny object” syndrome and get through my beefy task list:
- Identify What You Are Putting Off. You can’t fix what you don’t acknowledge. Once you identify it, write it down. Stop relying on your memory, because lets be honest…you forget stuff. Whether you carry a notebook or make an entry on your phone, write it down.
- Figure Out How You Really Feel. Your emotions play a huge part! Is it fear of doing something new? Are you mad you have to do it? Are you afraid that you will mess it up?
- Deal With The Two Headed Monster. Once you realize it’s probably your emotions getting the best of you, vent and complain to let off some steam and then let it go.
- Plan, plan and plan some more. Start with being clear on your goal. Franklin Covey said it best, “Begin with the end in mind.” Having a clear goal will keep you motivated and focused.
- Face The truth. If you know you are prone to negative and sabotaging self-talk, face your thoughts head on and replace them with the positive affirmations and beliefs.
- Itty Bitty Steps. Don’t try to eat the entire elephant all at once. Break the task down into steps. Do you have a room that needs to be decluttered? Start with a drawer. Have a paper to write? Write a few pages at a time.
- Life WILL happen. Once you have created a plan, think about the what if’s and come up with a Plan B, C or D even if you don’t think you will need them.
- Ready. Set. Go! You have a plan…it’s time to get started. This is where most people say, “I’ll get started tomorrow.” Excuse me sir and ma’am, now is not the time to get cocky because you are clear on your goal. Yes, I’m mocking you.
- Bad Joo Joo. Excuses, funky attitudes, other people’s funky attitudes, unforeseen circumstances and unsolicited opinions. They can all keep you from achieving your goal if you allow it. Face them head on and implement Plan B.
- Time To Do A Shimmy (or Fist Bump). Pure unadulterated joy will be achieved when you finish a task that you once thought was annoying, too hard or too time consuming to complete. Now you can go back to Pinterest.
If you are a habitual victim of “shiny” objects, try using these steps something small like cleaning your desk. The more you do the steps, the more they become like second nature.
With love,
