Stop Procrastinating on Your Big Goal

 Wed 29 Sept 2021

Stop Procrastinating on Your Big Goal

When a goal seems particularly onerous, or the path toward achieving it feels unclear, it’s easy to just do nothing and push it off to another day. This is a mistake. Here are three strategies to start tackling that goal you've been putting off:

  (1)   Hire a coach or look for a mentor.
 Having someone to support and encourage you can make a big difference. They can be particularly helpful in holding you accountable, especially when you start telling yourself you’re “too busy” to make progress.
  (2)   Create deadlines.
 You don’t need to be overly ambitious — “I'll finish writing my book by this time next year.” Instead, lay out smaller, more attainable milestones — “I'll finish a chapter in the next six weeks” — which will allow you to build and sustain momentum.
  (3)  Don't stop learning.
 If your goal is tied to a specific circumstance — presenting at a high-profile conference, or running a marathon — it’s easy to let up once the big event is over. But after you’ve put in all that work, it’s important to solidify your learning, and keep growing. Find ways to bake the skills and habits you picked up along the way into your schedule on an ongoing basis. For instance, look for other opportunities to continue to hone your presentation skills or start running with a friend to make it a social ritual.

This tip is adapted from “Start Tackling That Big Goal You’ve Been Putting Off,” by Dorie Clark

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