You want to be more productive, but it’s hard to get things done! You’re busy. You have no extra time, and there are too many things to do!
Stop the chaos now. You CAN get more done by following these 5 simple steps.
1. Have a Specific Goal in Mind
We all want to get things done. But if you don’t have a specific goal, it will never happen. “I need to lose some weight” is a nice idea, but it isn’t a goal. “I need to lose 10 pounds” is a specific goal.
The same is true with your goals for your business. “I want to grow my business” isn’t a goal. It’s a great idea, but it needs to be more specific… “I want to grow my email list by 1000 names” is a specific, measurable goal.
2. Set a Realistic Deadline
“I want to lose 10 pounds” is good. You know what you want. Now, combine that goal with a deadline. That will give you a sense of urgency and help keep your eye on the prize. “I want to lose 10 pounds by my high school reunion in September.” Ok. Now we’re getting somewhere. (The next time you go to shovel a tub of ice cream in your face, think “10 pounds by September”… that might be enough to make a different decision.)
For your business, you could say “I want to grow my email list by 1000 names in 90 days.” Break that goal down even further. If you want 1000 new names in 90 days, you’ll need 11.11 names per day in order to reach that goal. (Let’s round up to 12.) That is VERY specific and do-able.
3. Create a Strategy
You know what you want. You know when you need to complete it.
How are you going to get there?
If you don’t have a plan, you will flounder. It’s best to keep it simple. Don’t over-complicate it.
If you want to lose 10 pounds by September, what steps will you take to actually make that happen? “I will exercise 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week, and I will cut out sugar and processed foods.” (I’m not a diet expert- follow the plan that works for you.)
How will you grow your email list by 12 names per day? One way is to write a great blog post, create an amazing incentive opt-in, promote it via social media, share it with your existing email list, and ask them to share it with people who will find value from it.
The key is to make your plan do-able and to break it down into bite-sized chunks.
4. Schedule Time for Consistent Action
You know what you want… to lose 10 pounds. You know when you want to achieve that … by September. You know how you will do it … exercise 30 min a day 5 days a week, and change your diet.
When EXACTLY are you going to exercise? Make that decision and PUT IT IN THE CALENDAR. Mon – Fri from 8-8:30 am: Cardio. Meal Plan: (make your meal plan for the week, put it in the calendar and stick to it.)
For your email list goal, set a regular time to write the blog post, create the opt-in, the graphics, and publish the blog post. (Ideally, you will have an ongoing content creation process in your calendar already.)
Next, you need a content promotion calendar. What will you do once your post is published? How, where, and when will you share your article? Once you make these decisions, make it a Standard Operating Procedure. The next time you do this, you’ll already have a plan in place.
Whatever you decide, carve it in stone and make it law. Honor your appointment with yourself everyday. Stay committed to your end goal. Remember… if it’s not in the calendar, it’s not going to happen.
5. Follow Through With Your Plan!
This is the most important step in the whole process. You took the time to set your goal, you created a deadline, you came up with a detailed plan, and you scheduled it.
The most important thing now is to DO IT!
If you don’t take action nothing will get done.
As part of your follow through, set a time each week to review and track your progress. How are things going? Is there anything in your plan that you need to tweak? Consistent action yields consistent results. You CAN live the life you’ve always wanted. You just have to take action to get there.
Looking for more ways to increase your productivity?
Sign up for my free resource hub, The Entrepreneur’s Toolbox.
You’ll find ways to save time, get organized and grow your business.
Inside The Entrepreneur’s Toolbox you’ll find modules on:
• Recommended Reading (to improve your mindset)
• The Video Vault (quick video tutorials and walk-throughs of my favorite time-saving online tools)
• Create A Time Management System That Works For You (a mini-course to help you get out of your own way and take control of your time)
• Downloads, printables, and DIY checklists to help you get things DONE.
