This is especially frustrating when you quit after making significant inroads into the project. You wouldn’t think you’d leave something hanging like that, but you do.
The big question is...WHY?
Some of us tend to be ineffectual when it comes to reaching our goals. Not because we can’t make a decent goal or even put the work in. It's the follow-through that becomes the obstacle, mostly because goals tend to involve future success. It's difficult to stay excited about something you're not going to finish for days or even weeks from now, even when we're motivated to do so.
The problem isn't us so much as the idea being somewhat abstract. Let's face it; we'd much rather do something which will give us immediate gratification. Games on your phone are designed to give you this instantly. Every level fulfilled sparks and dances with joy, giving you a pleasant little surge of dopamine in your brain with every high score.
Because we enjoy this kind of rewarding feedback, we tend to put off those far-off projects for more immediate gratification. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably even gotten good at justifying this abandonment. Trading one project for another that feels safer, easier and with a swifter result, is easy to do. But is it satisfying?
Let's face it; sometimes, you do want to finish what you started. Those great big, interesting goals are the things that can change lives when you reach them. So how can you act with diligence and get things done even when the world pulls you in all directions?
Not everyone reaches their destination in a linear line, sometimes there are curves, bumps, and obstacles that will stand between you and what you want. Here’s how to overcome them.
Hone the Vision
It’s impossible to finish anything when you’re not clear what the eventual goal is. Take a few minutes and examine the project you have in mind. Can you visualize the outcome you want?
Be Fully Committed
Once you have a clear idea of where you're going, ask yourself why you're doing this. What motivates you? What about this excites you? Hold onto these thoughts and make a verbal commitment to this goal. And yes, saying it out loud does make a difference!
Create Your Space
Here’s where you need to set up where the magic happens. Wherever you choose to work, make sure you’ve reduced distractions.
Make Temptation Impossible
This is crucial no matter what the goal. If you have a project you need to dig into for work, it might be you need to turn off your phone or put it in a drawer for a bit. If you're working on your health, this is where you get rid of the cookies from the cupboard. Make it as difficult as you can to throw off your progress.
Organize
Do you have the tools you need to start? Now is the time to assemble them if you don’t. This is also a good place to get any research done you might need. Once you’ve got the materials, take a few minutes to create a game plan. What’s the goal for today? What do you need to get done for the next milestone? This should be laid out in simple, bite-sized pieces of work.
Set the Stage
Do you work better with peppy music? Does it help to listen to an inspiring podcast before you begin? Do you have a mantra you use to put yourself in the right mindset? By creating a routine before work, you tell your brain you're ready to work now and get things done. Do this often enough, and you'll turn this routine into a trigger that puts you in the perfect headspace instantly, which is important in creating the necessary momentum.
Start Early
If you can, begin working as early in the day as possible. Studies have shown an earlier start to the day is crucial to success. This is important even if you're not what you would term a 'morning' person. Why? The longer you wait to start your day, the more likely you are to put off beginning until tomorrow. Also, if you jump in early, you're going to feel amazingly productive by lunch.
Be Impulsive
Once you have everything in place, start without thinking about it if you can. Too often, we stall out because we don't feel ready. Once you've organized your materials or workspace, though, there's no point in holding back.
Blast Through for Five Minutes
This launch should be quick and fast. Tell yourself you’re just going to test the waters and throw yourself in wholeheartedly. You have a plan. All you need is to work it!
Single Task
Do not be multitasking when you plunge into this project. You’ll only be distracting yourself and muddying things unnecessarily. Put all your attention on what you’re doing.
Find the Flow
If you’ve ever been in a flow state before, remember how this felt. Try to recreate this feeling as you work. Sink into it and enjoy the sensation of everything coming together while the outside world melts away.
Keep the Momentum
No matter what, try to hold your momentum even if you don't have a solid flow state. Forward progress is still progress, no matter how slow. Keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Give Yourself a Quitting Time
You can't work endlessly. To avoid burnout, know when you're shopping for the day. Otherwise, you'll crash and burn, making it harder to pick up again the next day.
Set Up for Success
How do you want to begin again tomorrow? For example, some writers will write the first sentence of the next chapter before quitting for the day so they can jump right in easily. What would help you? Layout your workout clothes, set out materials, do whatever you need for a successful start the next time you settle into work.
As you keep working, remember this very important thing: You have everything you need to succeed. Just the very fact you’re working to achieve your dreams makes you amazing. You’ve got this!
In Summary: In life we all have dreams, ambitions we want to achieve. However, it is entirely in your power whether they remain dreams or whether you will actually set out to make them a reality. Defining, working towards, and meeting your goals be it for a better you or a business idea, will always be worth the hard work and sacrifice.
So, what are you waiting for? It is time to get Strategically Social!
What is the Next Step?
Now that you've read my blog, hopefully you appreciate the importance of distinguishing your business by finishing your projects that result in strengthening your position as a leader in your industry. This is easily accomplished by implementing a well thought out social media marketing strategy for your business.
With so many ways to promote your business on Facebook, it can be difficult to know where to begin. We want to help you get started the best way!
That's why we're inviting you to a no-cost or obligation strategy session. This is a free, live call with me. Please understand this is NOT a sales call-in disguise but rather a strategy session to see how social media marketing can help your business.
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