It feels like the sand is running out in the hourglass of summer. The days are already feeling shorter, and the month of July seemed to have evaporated in the heat. How has your summer to-do list been going?
I am the worst when it comes to finishing a project sometimes. If it’s something that requires a lot of hours or creative energy to finish, I’ll set it aside as soon as I’m feeling burnt out. I’ll leave my tools and supplies out, so it’s not out-of-sight-out-of-mind, hoping it will serve as a visual trigger to get my butt in gear. Well, it does end up becoming a trigger, but not a good one. The unfinished project is just a constant reminder of how I must be a failure, how I can’t even get out of my own way to finish the task, and I beat myself up over it. Dramatic? Yes. Does an unfinished project really mean I’m a failure? No. But when it comes to tackling a project or reaching a goal, the negative self-talk seems to needle you right where it hurts.
What is one thing that you hate doing? The type of task you absolutely dread and procrastinate from? For some, it might be making a phone call, dealing with a person you don’t like, or going for your annual physical. Something about your chosen task has a mental or physical roadblock that holds you back. This week let’s clear some of those hurdles like the Olympian you are. Together, we’ve got this!
Let’s start small. It’s not a bad idea to start with a bite sized, achievable nugget. For example, let’s say you want to declutter your bedroom closet this weekend.
Be SMART about it. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound. The more detailed your action plan, the better. Don’t just say, “I want to declutter my closet.” Instead, it would be more like: “At 10am this Saturday, I’m going to spend 30min going through all my clothes in the closet and take out what I have not worn in the past six months. I’m going to bag up the clothes and put them directly into my car. I will bring them to a donation drop when I run errands at 4pm that afternoon.”
Identify what makes this task hard for you. If it is within your control to eradicate the challenges, let’s do it!
Focus on what would make this task easier for you to complete. Simplify what you can and give yourself a good head start.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s sometimes easier to help someone else more than it is to help ourselves. If a friend is willing to tackle your project with you, the more the merrier! Maybe they have a task that they dread that you enjoy doing. You can return the favor!
Good luck with your goal this week. We know you can do it!
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Dr. Seuss
We’ll see you on the PATH ahead.