Time is funny. It doesn’t care about our plans, dreams, goals, and things we want to do.
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If you’re anything like me, and you probably are, then this article will be just what you need to get started and unstuck. You and I know you still have unfinished goals and resolutions from two years ago. The time has come to accomplish something.
I like to keep things simple, focused, and easy to understand.
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It’s easy to let time pass by; it doesn’t slow down, and it keeps marching on. And you and I aren’t getting any younger. Time is funny that way. It doesn’t care about our plans, dreams, goals, and things we want to do. It just minds it’s own business and keeps on rolling. So as we continue to age, we must make time work for us and not against us. It’s time to accomplish something!
If you search the Internet for time management tricks and tips, you’ll end up with millions of results that are too complicated and confusing. I like to keep things simple, focused, and easy to understand. Practicality, it’s one of my gifts. So here we go. Start thinking of the many things you have floating around in the grey matter of your skull. Here’s how to start when you’re stuck.
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Write It Down. Simple enough, all you need is pen and paper. You could even go old school and use pencil and a napkin. Whatever is your method here, take the time to stop, think, and write. Write out your goal, dream, or stuff you want to get done. Do you want to lose weight? Write that down. Do you want to read more books? Write that down. Do you want to go on more dates with your lady friend? Write that great idea down. This isn’t rocket science, but it has been proven that when you write something down, you are more likely to follow through.
Keep It Simple. Just as I alluded to earlier, many of the plans and processes of the Internet results are way to complex and confusing. After I write a goal down, I take one more step. Make a simple plan. Like, what’s the first step in the plan? Let’s stick with the losing weight goal. If my goal is to lose 60 pounds, do I think I can accomplish that in one day? No way. My first step would be picking a workout plan or signing up at a gym. Almost all the goals and dreams we have for ourselves are pretty hefty, and they have many steps and take a lot of time. But if you’re going to get unstuck and started on your journey, then the first step should be simple and easy. Nothing feels better than checking off that first step.
Do It Now. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can still do today.” Well, it’s time to walk that bad boy out. The other word for this nasty thing is procrastination. Starting now is so important. Many times when I write my goals down, I start to get excited about the prospect of accomplishing them. Then something distracts me, and I can feel my excitement slowly dying like snow melting on a warm spring day. You need to ride that motivation now. When setting goals and going after dreams, they can seem too big to start immediately, but there’s always something you can do right away. I’ll refer to my goal of losing weight. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve said to myself, “I’ll start tomorrow,” or “I’ll wait until next Monday.” Like a thousand times, I’ve said this in my little head. Instead of waiting just start now.
Tell Someone. Sometimes this is referred to as an accountability partner or group. But I don’t care what or how you do it. Telling someone else what your goal and plan is has a huge effect on not only how you accomplish something, but also how fast it gets accomplished. One of the things I did with my fitness and weight goals was to start a private online group with some of my friends who also have similar goals. I also told my wife; she doesn’t shy away from reminding me of my goals when I ask for dessert. Being stuck is tough, but it’s the best when you can get started with friends.
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I know what you’re thinking, “This is too simple to work.” Well, you’re wrong! It’s too simple not to work. Us men like it simple and practical. Sometimes I feel like I’m stuck and going nowhere and not accomplishing any of my goals and not heading towards any of my dreams. It’s easy to feel this way. That’s the perfect time to get started. It’s the perfect time to start accomplishing what you’ve always wanted to. If I can do it, then I know you can, too.
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Photo: Flickr/ John