Don't ever say you can't, because you can. You can always make it happen at the 11th hour, just before the buzzer or when your back's against the wall.
For most people, pressure is what pushes us through resistance, mental blocks and mediocrity. This is normal human behavior, but it also means that you CAN do better. You CAN gain control over your time management, stress levels, perceived obstacles and excuses.
Or as most people like to call them, "reasons."
You are capable because you make it happen when you have to. So to do better on a day-to-day basis, it's simply a matter or learning how to make it happen when you WANT it to.
Create Pressure On Your Own
If you really want to do better, then find someone who's willing to hold you accountable. This could be a colleague, a good friend, a family member or a life/business coach. The only requirement is that they're capable of understanding how important their role is in this setup. It can't be a "maybe we should do it because it'll help" type of mentality. They have to take their accountability role seriously.
Once you've found the right person for the job, tell them what it is that you need/want to accomplish and by when. Once you know the deadline, work backward and set an accountability date. It's important to clearly state what you plan to accomplish.
For example, if you want to write a book, how many pages or chapters will be completed, and by when? If you want to lose weight, how many pounds will you lose by each check in? If you want to save money, how much will you have set aside each time that you talk? Your mini goals should ensure that you'll reach your target by the final date.
If you don't meet the targets that you set, your accountability partner should help you determine what went wrong and where adjustments should be made to get you back on track.
You don't have to do this alone!
Another great way to set pressure? Announce your deadlines and what you're doing to the world. Share it in an email to friends and family, spread the word on social media and shout it from the rooftops! Once you put that intention out there for others to see, it automatically creates pressure to come through.
Build In Systems, Structure and Motivation to Bypass Resistance
What gets you in the zone when you finally do get crackin'? What inspires you to do work when you otherwise wouldn't bother? What pumps you up and gets you excited about a project or challenge?
All of these little things that you think nothing of, these are essential triggers to improving your productivity and focus so that you meet your personal and professional goals.
If watching something gets you pumped up, create a folder or tab on your browser for these types of videos. If certain songs get you in the right zone, create a playlist on your iPod or computer. If pictures or quotes motivate you, create a mini vision board and hang it about your desk where you'll see it.
If you notice that going for a drive or a walk gets your inspiration and juices flowing, then build that into your work routine. If putting on your swimsuit makes you antsy to work out, then put that bad boy on, stand in the mirror and then lace up your tennis shoes!
Stop Making Excuses
Everyone has "reasons" why they can't get things done or they miss a deadline or goal. They're all excuses, and they need to stop.
Just because your friends eat unhealthy and will make comments if you get a salad isn't a good reason to eat unhealthy. Just because your neighbor was making a lot of noise isn't a good reason for you to slack off on your work or reading. They're excuses, no matter which way you try to swing them.
Knock it off and start looking for SOLUTIONS. You're in control here, remember?
Remove "Can't" From Your Vocabulary
Can't rarely ever means that you really, physically cannot do something. Usually it's code for, "I don't want to." Or "It's too much work."
From this point forward, I forbid you to use can't when you speak about your goals or the things that you need and want to get done. If you "can't focus because of the noise," reframe that thought to, "I could focus better if I went downstairs or to the library." When you eliminate the possibility of can't from coming out of your mouth, you're suddenly presented with all the possible solutions to your perceived road block.
Commit to Doing Better
Fully and completely commit to DOING BETTER. To working harder, figuring out what makes you move and what holds you back, and making ADJUSTMENTS as needed. Commit to being proactive, taking responsibility and eliminating excuses.
If you're not mentally committed to making changes, things will always stay the same.
"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you always got." Mark Twain
Take Action Now!
Leave a comment and out yourself on a goal or commitment that you want to make. Get specific on what you'll achieve and by when. Have an excuse reason that you want to share? Leave it in the comments and I'll show you some solutions.
Stephenie Zamora is the founder of www.stepheniezamora.com, a full-service, life-purpose development, design and branding boutique. Here she merges the worlds of personal development and branding to help young women build passion-based businesses. Click here to download her free guide, "The Unexpected Trick to Transforming Your Life With ONE Single Question."
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