I am a goal setter, I love the feeling of accomplishment when a goal has been met. But let's face it , we all have complex lives and sometimes we need to be creative when we have a lot we are trying to manage.
One method I like is working towards a goal in 15 minute increments. I initially learned this concept through flylady.net when I wanted to de-clutter my home. I found that it worked great in other areas of my life as well!
For example,are you putting off your dreams because you feel that you just don't have the time for all that needs to be done or that it's just too overwhelming? You would be amazed at what you can accomplish in just 15 minutes.
There are many days that I flop into bed exhausted, not knowing where my day has gone, it's all a blur. To make matters worse I'd think about all the things I didn't do on my 'list'.
* "I should have sent a packet to that publisher today"
* "I should have worked on that manuscript that needs tweaking"
*" I should have followed up with that editor that really loved my style".
Not only am I exhausted but now I also feel guilty!
Instead of focusing on what I don't get done, now I focus on what I DO. I have a list of goals and try to do something towards them for at least 15 minutes a day. I don't stress on COMPLETING my goal ,just on taking one step at a time toward the finish line.
This way I at least go to bed knowing that I did something other than giving myself another excuse for why I couldn't.
I challenge you to pick something that you have been putting off that you really want to accomplish. Decide that you will spend 15 minutes a day towards it and see what happens.
Summer is officially here and the kids are ready to be entertained! So my 15 minutes a day will be used to create a dummy book for a new story that I've written.
Get ready, get set , turn on your timers!
* Look at that adorable sheep egg timer. I just found it on line and I'm tickled because the book I'm working on this summer is about a SHEEP! I have to order it!*
What and excellent idea Rozzie! I'm gonna have to borrow that. you don't mind do you? ;-)
Hugs!
Paige
Posted by: Paige Keiser | June 02, 2005 at 05:14 PM
Of course! I hope it works well for you too. I have found it really helps when I'm dreading the drawing board too. If I tell myself that I just need to work for 15 minutes and I can stop it usually is the nudge I need to get on with it! =O)
Posted by: roz | June 02, 2005 at 06:20 PM
Roz,
I know I've heard this from you before, but thanks for saying it again. Instead of waiting to finish my all my work from one project, I can work for 15 minutes on my dummy. I don't need to work on finishing the whole project in one sitting! you are such a smart cookie.
love the timeer, that is perfect!!!
Posted by: heather | June 03, 2005 at 06:22 AM
That sounds great Roz, I will give it a try next week :-D
Have a **sparkly* weekend with hopefully lots of sunshine for you and the kids!!
Posted by: Tine | June 05, 2005 at 08:58 AM
great idea! i hope to be able to get rid of that word "i should have..." (my husband is teasing me already everytime i say that phrase....)and try my very best to make that "15 minutes" work.... thanks to you!
Posted by: isay | June 06, 2005 at 12:16 AM
Great Idea! I'm going to go do it right now. :)
Posted by: Courtney | June 06, 2005 at 10:39 AM
i really loved that part of flylady's system!
oh, and that shawn egg timer is so darn cute! i saw one on ebay and almost won it, but was beaten out at the last min. i may just have to order one for myself. :)
Posted by: Aimee Roo | June 06, 2005 at 08:46 PM
That is such good and true advice! It used to be that I wouldn't even attempt any sewing if I didn't have a block of time to devote to it. I've since learned that you can do a lot with even a few minutes. Love your blog, btw.
Posted by: Bettsi | June 10, 2005 at 03:24 PM