Archive for category Personal Development
Do Your Actions Support Your Intentions?
Posted by Scott Cofer in Goal Achievement, Personal Development on March 8, 2010
While discussing the topic of time management and goal achievement with a close friend of mine recently, he asked me a question that got me quite frustrated :
“Do your actions support your intentions?”
The reason this question frustrated me so much was that I had never asked it of myself before. It seems so obvious, doesn’t it?
So, I decided to review my ‘to do’ lists in my day planner from the previous month and determine for myself if, in fact, my actions were supporting my intentions. I was shocked at what I found.
Like many people, I am very adept at setting well-defined and meaningful goals. And I do a fairly good job of breaking those goals down to smaller pieces that I can schedule into my planner.
However …
The constant distractions of the digital age we are in frequently knock me off course throughout the day. Therefore, many of my actions each day were not directly supporting my intentions (goals).
It was time for a quick adjustment, and it has made a tremendous difference in my output, accomplishments – and sanity. 
I now have my 3 main goals for 2010 placed at the top of each day’s to-do list, and I make sure that I schedule and complete at least one action each day that directly applies to the accomplishment of each goal. Time permitting, I move on to other ‘I’d like to get to these’ tasks.
It is working well for me .. try it out and let me know if this strategy helps your goal achievement!
To Success,
- Scott
Self Improvement Plan – Week 3
Posted by Scott Cofer in Personal Development, Productivity on March 3, 2010
Here we are at week 3 already of our 13-week self improvement plan. How is your progress going? I think Mr. Franklin would be proud of us.
I noticed a big difference after our week 1 focus on temperance. I’ve already lost a few pounds and feel much better and more energetic. And week 2 led to a more positive mind-state and better relationships with my family and business associates.
I guess this plan works!
So moving along, our topic for week 3 is: Order
Ben Franklin defined order as, “Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.”
This is a HUGE one for me!
I must admit to be being a bit compulsive when it comes to tidiness … much to my family’s chagrin. However, I believe strongly that when things are put back where they belong it leads to much more ‘order’ and far less chaos – which of course leads to a greater sense of peace. There’s nothing worse than living in an environment that is filled with clutter and disarray, which inevitably leads to the mounting stress caused by looking for things that you need 5 minutes (or less) before you actually need them!
The second portion of Franklin’s definition of order – in my view – falls into the category of time management, which is one of the core self improvement principles I cover here on this blog. (if you haven’t already, take a few moments to read my time management post)
For me, time management is really the starting point for personal development and productivity, so I’m glad it is part of our ongoing plan here at week 3.
So then, we have our weekly focus – order. Let’s get organized and productive this week!
To Success,
- Scott
Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Actually Happen
Posted by Scott Cofer in Goal Achievement, Personal Development, Productivity on February 26, 2010
So, we are coming to the end of February …. how are your New Year’s Resolutions coming along? Are you making daily progress, or are you like the majority of folks that commit to a few important goals on January 1st and abandon them out of frustration by the end of the month?
Well, if you’re having trouble sticking to your commitments, I have a simple suggestion that may help you get back on track.
This simple little shift made all the difference for me. Instead of resolving to not do this or that, which is how many people frame their New Year’s Resolutions, commit instead to a new habit that will replace the old behavior. Or, put something in your way to make sure you follow through on a new behavior you’ve committed to.
For instance:
- Instead of quitting smoking and wandering the halls of your home or workplace trying not to think about cigarettes, replace the smoking habit with a healthy one like walking, running or biking. This will improve your health and help get your mind off the old negative habit.
- Instead of simply planning on running three times per week for the New Year, be sure and put your running shoes in front of your door so there is no way to miss them or ‘forget’ to run!
- If managing your time better is one of your New Year’s Resolutions, be sure to write out your 5-6 most important tasks for the day the night before and place the list with your keys or wallet/purse. This way you’ll be ready to go the next morning and know exactly what you’ll be doing to make it a productive day. (for more tips on this subject be sure to read my time management post)
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting on track and making your New Year’s Resolutions a reality.
All the best,
- Scott
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