I just needed to find a spot for the chalkboard. And as I walked from room to room, I had another revelation: I had to put the chalkboard in a place where I’d see it all the time. So I headed straight to the kitchen because the door to the garage is off my kitchen. My lovely screened porch and deck is there, too. And fine, I’ll admit it, I’m a grazer. So there sits my chalkboard on the kitchen counter and literally dozens of times a day, I pray for friends and family. No more forgetting all those requests!
It’s perfect!
And then one morning, shortly after New Year’s, I passed my chalkboard and thought what if I put my writing goals someplace where I’d see them all the time?
Because if you’re the goal-driven type like me, I’ll bet you write down a goal—or goals—in a journal or even a daily list. (I’ve done that.) Or you type ‘em up and print ‘em out and post the list near your desk. (Done that, too.) And still, I don’t accomplish my goals. Not because I’m incredibly lazy. (I am a bit lazy.) Or that I’ve gone overboard with the whole goal-listing. (Though I can sometimes have unrealistic expectations.) But mostly, because I just forget my goals. (Yeah, it’s embarrassing.)
So now, instead of writing up my daily To Do list and leaving it on my bedside table, I carry it around with me. It travels with me to my desk first thing in the morning. I’ll bring it downstairs and set it on the—where else?—kitchen counter. It may join me on the table next to my big comfy chair when I’m watching my favorite show. And finally, it will end up next to my bed, where I’ll happily see that I’ve almost always checked off all the goals!
It’s a writer breakthrough, y’all! We’re not lazy! We’re not unmotivated! We’re just forgetful!
So maybe you have just one major writing goal you’d like to accomplish this year. List it on a BANNER and put it somewhere you’ll see it multiple times a day. Sure, it might annoy you—but that nagging banner will get you working on actionable little goals to achieve the big goal. Or if you’re like me, an inveterate To Do lister, give the portable list a try.
It’s such a simple solution. Put your goals where you’ll see them all the time, then watch out! You’re going to accomplish more in 2017 than you ever imagined.
It’s perfect!
~Cathy C. Hall
Accomplishing Goals Since January 3, 2017
14 comments:
Cathy--I am going to try your suggestions--both the banner and the "takin'-the-goals-with-me" idea.
I just hope I don't develop blinders, rendering me unable to see the banner/focus in on the goals and rendering me quite adept at ignoring them...
That can be a side effect, Sioux. But if the banner's big enough and/or the portable goals are always in the way? You'll get 'er done, just so you don't have to look at 'em anymore! :-)
They say "out of sight, out of mind", so I believe your idea has merit, Cathy. Maybe if I invest in a discreet tatoo...
Pat
www.patwahler.com
Great idea for someone like me-a born procrastinator! You've motivated me :)
We actually have a chalkboard right at the top of the basement stairs. It was used a lot when the kids lived at home, but now that we're empty nesters it usually just has things like, "Happy New Year!" But it's the perfect place for a goals, because we see it every time we come up the stairs. Thanks, Yoda!
Cath, I love your Prayer Request board and your goal banner! I know you are going to be an awesome goal achiever this year. Power to to the list😊
Hallelujah! I'm not lazy! I'm just forgetful! But seriously, I do believe you hit the nail on the head. I keep a big piece of paper taped to my bedroom wall and on it I write down who I want to pray for. Sure enough, those are the people I remember most often. I also have my Bucket List on my bedroom wall and on there is written, "Write one fantastic book." It appears I'm on the right track, but maybe I need to get a little more specific with those goals. :)
Perfect timing. I'm a quest to be organized right now. Thanks! I'll implement these ideas.
I am heading to the Dollar store to buy a chalk board in the morning. I love this idea, a great motivator. I am easily distracted, and this will keep me focused.
Oh, I'm so glad y'all will try this organizational chalkboard/tools!
And Pat? The tattoo can't be discreet or you'll never see it! You need something big and bold...a sleeve, maybe? :-)
Cathy--NO! Pat needs a big tattoo, with the writing backwards, tatted on her forehead. That way, every time she looks in the mirror, she'll see the message.
Yeah I love all your ideas, well except the tattoo, but then I have a thing about needles. I put my to do list on my bathroom mirror, right in front of the sink. Can't miss it every time I'm in there. It's handy when I wake up in the night and need to add to it. My husband showering tends to melt it a bit though.
I love the chalkboard and banner ideas. I'm a list-maker, a goal-setter, and a forgetful writer all rolled into one, so hopefully setting these things up will motivate me to meet my own expectations. Thanks for the tips!
Well, methinks it would be a bit embarrassing to carry around a banner in my classroom all day. But the next best thing is to carry a laminated card in my hipklip where I keep my phone. Then whenever I check my phone, I'll see the card with my goals. I think I need to try this. Every day, I get so busy, that I tend to push off my writing to the last, and that's no bueno. I love your chalkboard idea. What a great way to keep our friends in the forefront of our hearts and minds!
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