Procrastination and wasting time are common ailments. Even if you lose only a few hours a week to them, it can be annoying. Why? Because you may realize that you didn’t really ENJOY the wasted time. If you had actually planned to take that time off, you might have done something much more enjoyable and relaxing. And if you had been more intentional, you might be seeing profound improvements in your business.
If you are ready to rev up your motivation, here is the place to start:

  1. What do you stand to gain? Before you look at your to-do list, take the time to consider what you really want in life. Be honest. There is far more to life than paying bills and avoiding aches and pains. What life do you REALLY want? For the moment, put aside any need to understand HOW you will create it, and simply visualize a perfect day or week. The only actions worth taking are those that move you toward your ideal.
  2. Where are you now? What have you accomplished? Where have you fallen short of your expectations? You may find this step unsettling. I encourage you be brave. Underneath any disappointment is your unconscious knowledge and belief that you CAN do so much more. Awareness is the first step of change.
  3. Notice what you are resisting. Are there things on your to-do list that you simply dread? Stop and notice why. Are you afraid you will fail? Are the tasks boring? Are they outside your comfort zone? Consider for a moment whether any of these things are truly necessary. Eliminate or delegate whenever possible.
  4. Be grateful. Search around you for the talents, resources and circumstances you may be overlooking. Consider your health, your friends, your intelligence, your family and the moments of beauty. Be grateful that you have the choice to waste time – even that is a gift!
  5. Make a decision. You can decide your future from this moment forward. Are you willing to consider the possibility that your life can be as ideal as you wish to make it? Are you willing to simplify and make some changes? To decide—to de-cide—means to “kill off” any other options. Once you make a decision, of any kind, you will find yourself acting upon your new choice. Choose, then, only what moves you forward to a fulfilled life worthy of your talents.
  6. Be kind to yourself. Honor yourself in each moment. Give yourself time to rest and recuperate. Give yourself planned breaks. Set a timer for 50 minutes of focused work without distraction. Then give yourself 10 minutes to refresh before you start a new task. If you find that you have fallen back into an old habit, be willing to shake off the old and begin fresh again.
  7. Get a support system. Make it easy to stay on track. Set appointments with deadlines. Have friends call to schedule time off. Get a coach or mastermind group. Make the process automatic.

Look for the fun in staying on track to accomplish your goals. .If you make your work area pleasant and include recreation in every day, you will accomplish more…and be happier in the process.

Author's Bio: 

Carole Hodges began coaching in 2003. Her client roster includes CEOs to top salespeople, business owners and entrepreneurs, creative artists and writers. She speaks to business and social groups about relationships and creating deeper understanding, and leads seminars and exercises to build and improve teams by enhancing communication and cooperation.

Prior to her coaching and speaking career, she was an award-winning videoconferencing sales specialist at MCI, and initiated breakthrough global pricing as a video service product manager. She represented MCI on the board of the International Multimedia Telecommunications Consortium (IMTC), where she served as Executive Vice President for two years. She was awarded an IMTC Fellowship for her service.

As a lifelong entrepreneur, her experience also includes operating a wind-park, financing private placements and contracts, and insurance sales.

Carole is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and sponsors a monthly NLP educational program in the Los Angeles area. Additionally, she is a master DISC practitioner working in conjunction with Carol Dysart of PeopleSmart Solutions. Additional studies include gender communication and emotional release techniques. She studied Quantum Growth Coaching for business owners under Paul Lemberg.

Carole is certified as a Master Results Coach from Chris Howard's University of Excellence. She received an award for coaching from the Peak Potentials SuccessTracs Program.

Carole has also appeared in more than 25 musicals, and several commercials and films. She is an accomplished actor, singer, and dancer who enjoys spicing up her speeches with entertainment.

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