How do you enforce discipline of self and focus on achieving personal goals?

Question

I just can't seem to get a grip! I have many things to accomplish in life. And though I have them sorted and organized on paper, I just can't seem to stay committed. I am always dropping the ball....Advice anyone? What works for you?

Answer 1

Im similar to you in this way. Remember the movie What About Bob ? Baby Steps,babysteps to the bus,baby steps to the door etc. Essentially; BabySteps.
By combining Baby steps with keeping your eyes on the prize. It is easier to achieve your goals. So,focus on the rewards of your work and break the problem into small managable tasks over a given timeframe. Always work slowly and calmly and learn to relax before you do anything. But, also concentrate on what you're doing. Try to be realistic. Don't give yourself something like parting the Red Sea like Moses. If you haven't even practiced trying it yet without a crowd of people looking.

Answer 2

You're on the right track sorting, organizing and putting them on paper. I call this the master list. In addition I do the following:

Prioritize, determine the next action needed for each task and take control - this is what makes you actually do something.

You will procrastinate if your daily tasks are too complicated or too many - so be careful.

Then for each item on the master list I decide how many steps I can accomplish each day.
Then I do that day's work and no more.

Bare in mind that sometimes you may not have to do anything for a particular task.

At the end of the day I cross completed items off the list. Do this everyday.

You will be surprised at how smoothly your 'work' will go.

After a while you may not refer to the master list as often because you are in control. You will easily remember the next step AND and you will enjoy your tasks while reducing stress.

Control, organization and manageable tasks are the main ingredients to reach your goal.

Answer 3

Try making a timetable of when you wish to achieve. Work backwards, imaging how you feel once you have completed each task, and work back through the steps you take. Also plan small rewards for each thing you wish to achieve. It looks like you've already tried this, so perhaps you have a problem with procrastination. Try setting an alarm clock for fifteen minutes, and start on the task at hand. Once the alarm has stopped, you can too, but chances are you won't want to. Good luck!