If you need to get a job done, just ask a busy person. Why is that anyway? How come some people are so productive while others just can’t seem to get started?
If it’s time to “get going” for you, set yourself up for success. Start small. Write a short “to do” list of a few things that are realistic for you to accomplish. Pick the one that has the most meaning for you (not the biggest job or the one that has been on the list the longest but, rather, the one that you would enjoy the most when it’s done). Give yourself a reasonable time line and make a decision to get started! Like the Nike slogan says, JUST DO IT! Getting started is a big step in the right direction. As the first job gets done and you feel a sense of accomplishment you will be more motivated to move on to the next one. And, don’t forget to take the time to celebrate the little wins along the way.
Here are my tips to get going…
1. Make it fun. Play your favourite music and whistle (or sing) while you work. My singing isn’t the best but it sometimes gets people out of my way so I can work.
2. Be creative. If there is a job you can’t do or just don’t like doing maybe you know someone who would like it and you can trade off with them. I washed my son’s car while he replaced the breaks on my car. We were both really happy when we finished.
3. Have the right tools for the job ready to go as there is nothing more frustrating than trying to do a job without what you need.
4. Finish one project before you start the next.
5. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Be realistic before you start, know what you can accomplish in the time you have available.
6. When you start trying to talk yourself out of getting started change the self-talk to “Just Do It”. We have all been there, if we just put as much energy into doing the job as we did complaining about it, the job could have been done.
Most important, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! You can do it. Take the first step and watch what happens.
