Get Everything Done

Hi everyone,

Thanks to Mark's DIT and other Methods I have actually started my 'All Cards and Christmas Presents for 2008 are Sorted out' Goal. From a note on my Potential Current Initiatives List it has now become a fully fledged Goal. I am also using Mark's 4 Step Goal Achievement Method as a Structure.

This is no mean feat... it's only the 13th of November, so by my calculations that's 42 days head start on what I have been doing every previous year. I usually start my Christmas shopping on 24th December at about 4pm. So thanks again to Mark as I think this will seriously reduce my stress levels this year!

Leon,

Congratulations on your excellent progress. I don't recall seeing the Four-Step Goal Achievement Method in the DIT book. Is that where I can find it?

Thanks,
moises

Thank you guys. I have always found it a unifying experience, witnessing leagues of men scrambling for last minute presents with a look of terror in their eyes! But I think I will try a new strategy for this year. Maybe I can use the free time on a Christmas drink ;).

Moises, I think Mark's 4 Step strategy is spot on. I needed something that was simple to implement without the need for initial lengthy planning sessions, as this can contribute to further resistance and procrastination. Also, I have a history of being pretty lousy at completing Projects / Goals. The reason for this has been down to not knowing how to monitor my progress. I now have a solution to this problem!

I have adapted Mark's format slightly to my own template to incorporate his advice on 'Countdown Scoring' (when it is difficult to objectively measure a goal) and 'Guilty Goals' (Creating a list of positive reasons to complete the Goal).

An update on my christmas presents project...Using Mark's ideas re the 4 Step Goal Strategy and Countdown Scoring, I have just 30% of this project remaining, and we are still in November! The 'little and often' concept is working a treat on this project, as is monitoring the project at regular intervals.

Hi Mark and others, A final update on my christmas presents project...Well it is officially complete! Although I have been stalking the aisles today for 2 final gifts this has been much more manageable than in previous years.

In the final analysis I would say that getting the remaining 20% done on this project has been the most difficult. Maybe this follows Pareto's and others observations that 20% of the effort will bring 80% of the results (or in this case maybe it was other people procrastinating over their Santa Lists!).

So for me the other success with this project has been in learning to physically monitor my progress and acknowledge that to *complete* many projects may require that final push to nail it.

A merry christmas and a happy new year to everyone!

You dark horse, I imagined you'd be out there today with the rest of us!