Take the Next Indicated Action
Sheri Here –
Hope you had a productive week of great fulfilled intentions! And you spent a lot of time taking the next indicated action.
Making those good intentions real takes action. In my last blog, I talked about that a bit, If you missed it you can find it at “Intentions – Friend or Foe”.
Sometimes I set big goals or take on a big project that has lots of steps and the sheer volume of required action stops me. The size becomes daunting, and I’m paralyzed. What I’ve discovered is that if I just start then getting involved in the project becomes painless.
Make the Action Easy – Set a Timer
Sometimes, I set a timer for 15 minutes and tell myself, I only need to work on this for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, I can go do something else. But you know what happens? After 15 minutes I’m into action and it is easier to keep going. Then taking the next indicated step is even easier.
When I start a project, whether it is for my business or personal activities, I don’t always know what’s required. If I sit down and prepare an outline or think of all the things that will need to happen to be successful, I can start to get an idea about what’s next.
I’ve managed projects for years professionally and there is a certain rhythm to them – they start as an outline or a to do list and then the order becomes apparent. So does the resources – who needs to be involved and the time of when things need to happen. When I have the clarity of the actions that are required to get my project done working on the next indicated action becomes easier.
This pattern works whether it is for work or for play. It could work on a business project or on a vacation. I’ve used it to plan Christmas parties and multimillion dollar application projects. But sometimes, I just don’t want to get started. I almost have to fool myself to get going – that’s where the 15-minute timer is helpful.
The Pomodoro Method Also Helps Action
There is another technique called the Pomodoro method – which works in a similar way. You set the timer for 25-minutes and work on one task. When the timer rings, take a 5-minute break. Do it again, 3 or 4 times in a row. After that, take a 20- or 30-minute break. You will be amazed at how much you have gotten done.
You may ask, whose got 25 uninterrupted minutes, let alone 2 hours to get anything done. It’s possible, try it. First, you might want to give those around you 25-minutes of your uninterrupted quality time in exchange for leaving you to work on your project uninterrupted. Then be amazed at how much you get done.
I’m using that technique today as I’m preparing my book. I just got comments back from my editor and I find that using the Pomodoro technique helps keep me focused on resolving the comments!
Have Big Goals? Your Action Is…
If you have some big goals you want to accomplish and you are struggling to get them done, let’s talk. I can help you to put a plan together and hold you accountable for the actions, the next intended actions you plan to take. Call me here and we’ll do this together!
‘til the next time.
Ciao,
Sheri
P.S. Taking those steps, even the baby steps to make your goals or even your dreams come true can be tough. Feel free to reach out and let’s talk. Book a call here.
