PART THREE: Leave Procrastination in the Dust

1. Be really specific. A general goal rarely makes it.

Poor goal

I want to lose weight, write a book, be nicer, or record my first CD.

Better goal

Example of weight loss goal

With God’s help, I will:

• What: lose ten pounds (or write a book, record a CD, be nicer)
• When: by Dec. 23, 2017 at 8 a.m.
• How: one pound (chapter, song) a month with two months to make up for missed targets or solidify maintenance.
• Where: workout at the gym (name specific exercises, how often and how), track my food online (word, song), fast at work on Friday, call an accountability partner weekly, go to a local support group, daily positive words to myself in the mirror, etc.
• Why: I want to become the true me. I will fast one meal or one day a week–my choice.

2. Celebrate and give thanks for any partial success.

If you don’t make it all the way, make a big deal of how far you did get. I mean, a really big deal.

Make a list of things you did do. Celebrate wisely for a whole day!

Then re-evaluate, reset goal, and create realistic expectations.

Don’t quit, even after years of failed expectations.

3. Situations out of your control will come.

Procrastination, excuses, laziness, and quitting are in your control.

4. Stop the negative tape! Love Yourself!

This is probably the most important secret: love yourself. Be compassionate but firm. Be patient, kind, and gentle with yourself. Would you talk to a three-year-old like you talk to yourself? Stop the negative tape! Stop it! (That’s a lot of work and it’s not worth it and I don’t know if I can do that because I’m too busy and other people have more time and willpower than I do but….)

If this is too much work, then my question to you is: how has the plan you use worked for you? 

5. Wise Expectations: Multiple Projects Take More Time

That’s okay. Judge your progress wisely. If you work in several artistic areas, it is unrealistic to expect the same speed of delivery from each area that someone with a singular interest would attain. Adjust accordingly. Some may be bonfires and others are on slow simmer.