Using Simple Controls to Achieve Your Goals By Josh Hinds

One of the real obstacles that stops so many people from achieving their goals is something that's actually pretty simple (as well as correctable) -- I'm talking about the lack of action day in and day out that is necessary if we wish to achieve our desired outcome.

I'm talking about procrastination, plain and simple. Why is it that some people seem to procrastinate less than others? Why is it that we find it easy to stay on task on some things, yet on others it's like pulling teeth to even get started on them?

There are literally a host of reasons as to why we may allow procrastination to creep in. Furthermore, each of the reasons as to why is likely to be quite different from person to person. Having said that, let's move beyond the "why" of what causes us not to work on a given task when we know deep down it is in our best interest to do so - and focus on some effective ways to get our action steps done in spite of whatever particular form of procrastination we may deal with.

First off, we have to understand that even though we may dread doing something, once we have completed it quite often we are rewarded with a feeling of elation for having accomplished it.

Secondly, it is worth pointing out that quite often it's not as much that we couldn't have done the given task, but rather that we felt overwhelmed by it, and simply assumed that by replacing what we know we should do at that moment we went ahead and worked on something else instead.

In our mind it was simply easier to come back to the task at a later time. The problem then becomes that we rarely end up coming back to our original task. So the solution here is to create some simple controls for yourself to better ensure you keep the task you've set for yourself nearby.

Have you ever heard the saying, "the squeakiest wheel gets the oil"? In other words, whatever we remain focused on and keep clearly in mind has a far better chance of us actually taking the necessary action to complete it.

Here are a few examples of controls that you can adjust and apply in your own life. Rather than use these as absolutes, apply them to your own unique situation.

Let Alarms Keep You On Track ...

Say for example you want to get up earlier each morning. One control you could put in place would be to setup two alarm clocks. Setup one of the alarm clocks closer to where you sleep, and another in a place where you will have to actually get up to turn it off. You might even choose to set your cell phone or some other device to go off as well. This idea is equally as effective for making sure you are on time for appointments.

Egg Timers and Time Management ...

Let's say time management is something you want to work on. You could choose to use an egg timer to break your tasks into smaller more manageable bits of time. You would set the timer for say 30 minutes and simply continue without interruption on the task at hand until your "control/alarm" went off. Then you can repeat the process according to what best suits you.

Sticky Notes and Increased Productivity ...

How about another simple control you can try. Let's say you want to call on a set number of potential clients each day. One thing you could do would be to post a sticky note to yourself each day with the action steps you know you need to do for the following day. Now your friendly reminder is right there for you when you come in the next day.

In addition to the sticky note you could also write what needs to be done on a piece of paper and place it in your chair. The ideas are simple, but the reason they are so effective is that you are no longer allowing those things that you know you need to do to make their way out of your mind. Remember, out of sight, out of mind is a killer!

Above I've shared a few ideas that I hope have you thinking in terms of how you can apply them - and thus start accomplishing more of the goals you set for yourself. Friend, I assure you that they will work, as long as you commit to working them.

-- Here's to your success, Josh Hinds :-)

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