Step by Step
I recently realized that I am a busy body - especially when I'm completing household chores. On one particular Saturday, I started cleaning my bedroom - it was the start of Spring and I wanted everything to look and feel as fresh as the season - I had music playing and I was ready to go.
When I went downstairs to fetch the broom, I stopped to wipe off the kitchen counter top, pulled out meat to thaw for dinner, swept the kitchen floor then sat down in the family room for a bit. At the end of the night, after dinner and a dozen other errands, I finally made it back to my bedroom feeling spent. I couldn't believe just how little progress I made toward the main room I intended to clean.
When we visit amusement parks with children, the adults are usually very organized. We synchronize watches, utilize maps and set out on a redetermined course to ensure we have enough time to visit every attraction on our list. We should apply the same discipline to achieving goals.
Goals can be like an amusement park - so much to plan, do and experience. When we benefit greatly from mapping out a course that allows us to focus on one achievement at a time. This focus is a requisite to ensuring we have the proper resources including motivation, energy and creativity, for a job well done. When we focus on one thing, we can determine how well we are progressing and ensure we do not burn out by spreading ourselves too thin.
Dan Duster, an awesome motivational speaker, advises that "it is better to take 10 steps in one direction than one step in 10 directions." If that doesn't sound logical, conduct an experiment. Walk ten paces straight forward then look back to see how far you've traveled (make a mental note of such progress). Then, take one step forward, backwards, left, right, and diagonal until you have made ten moves. When you stop moving, you will undoubtedly notice that you are still in your starting position or not too far from it.
Devise a strategy that spans multiple years. Divide your plan into palatable segments, note milestones and get started. If you plan properly and execute accordingly, your success will greet you at the finish line every time. Be patient with yourself and have confidence.
When I went downstairs to fetch the broom, I stopped to wipe off the kitchen counter top, pulled out meat to thaw for dinner, swept the kitchen floor then sat down in the family room for a bit. At the end of the night, after dinner and a dozen other errands, I finally made it back to my bedroom feeling spent. I couldn't believe just how little progress I made toward the main room I intended to clean.
Today's Inspiration
Though We Can Go Anywhere, We Cannot Go Everywhere At The Same Time
When we visit amusement parks with children, the adults are usually very organized. We synchronize watches, utilize maps and set out on a redetermined course to ensure we have enough time to visit every attraction on our list. We should apply the same discipline to achieving goals.
Goals can be like an amusement park - so much to plan, do and experience. When we benefit greatly from mapping out a course that allows us to focus on one achievement at a time. This focus is a requisite to ensuring we have the proper resources including motivation, energy and creativity, for a job well done. When we focus on one thing, we can determine how well we are progressing and ensure we do not burn out by spreading ourselves too thin.
Dan Duster, an awesome motivational speaker, advises that "it is better to take 10 steps in one direction than one step in 10 directions." If that doesn't sound logical, conduct an experiment. Walk ten paces straight forward then look back to see how far you've traveled (make a mental note of such progress). Then, take one step forward, backwards, left, right, and diagonal until you have made ten moves. When you stop moving, you will undoubtedly notice that you are still in your starting position or not too far from it.
Devise a strategy that spans multiple years. Divide your plan into palatable segments, note milestones and get started. If you plan properly and execute accordingly, your success will greet you at the finish line every time. Be patient with yourself and have confidence.
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