I'm a goal-setter. Annual, monthly, weekly, and daily goals all fire me up. But the last week of each month usually throws me in a tizzy.
You see, I don't just set goals--I do my best to meet them. Failing to reach my monthly goals means I'll have extra work the following month. Extra work means possibly pushing my annual goals out of reach. I won't let that happen without a fight.
Here are a few ways I rearranged my schedule this week to free up hours.
1. Went grocery shopping at night instead of first thing in the morning.
2. Took a fifteen minute walk outside on Monday to get re-energized (even if it was 30 degrees out).
3. Pushed myself to finish all the laundry Monday night so I wouldn't be distracted later in the week.
4. Planned simple meals (one in the crock pot).
5. Spent less time online.
6. Opted not to watch television, but I still read to relax.
7. Took fifteen minutes each day to work on minor goals. (Filling out bills, revising a short piece, making calls)
None of these things were difficult. They simply gave me an extra thirty minutes to an hour each day. An extra hour here or there often results in me celebrating a "win" by meeting my goals.
Do you set monthly goals? How important is it for you to meet them? Do you ever do the "last minute cram?"
Have a great day!
When I remember to. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat #5 gets me every time. But the time it saves, oh...the time it saves.
~ Wendy
Isn't that the truth, Wendy? I can waste a lot of time surfing the Internet! :)
DeleteI definitely set goals, but they're usually weekly instead of monthly. I get frustrated pretty easily if I'm not meeting goals, so I find I'm almost always in this cycle of forced re-prioritization in order to meet my goals. :)
ReplyDeleteSame here, Melissa. Weekly and daily goals make a huge difference in my productivity. When I don't meet them? Grrr.... :)
DeleteOh I love what you said here today, Jill. Setting goals is SO vital! If I don't set goals, I tend to drift along at my own pace, which is usually glacial in the grand scheme of things. Goals = working toward progress to what God's called me to do.
ReplyDeleteI used to watch a lot of network TV, which ate up countless hours. About a year ago, I decided to pick 4 favorite shows to watch and let the rest go. I've stuck with it, Now I don't even miss all the other. My life feels less cluttered in many ways. All 4 TV shows air on major channels, so I was able to drop my cable subscription to the lowest package. So not only do I save a TON of time, I also save $60 per month. It goes without saying, of course, that Downton Abbey is one of the 4 shows. :)
What a great tip, Donna! Television can be a major goal-blower. I'm all for relaxing in the evening, but I don't want to spend my precious time on shows I don't like!
DeleteI have my mom and sister fill me in on Downton's plot points!
Jill,I think we're a lot alike. I set goals, too, and try my best to meet them. I'll juggle my schedule in order to accomplish my most pressing goal.
ReplyDeleteI love my crock pot also and you've inspired me to run put some chicken breasts in!
Ooo, good! Now dinner will be all ready for you! I have a roast in mine as we speak!
DeleteI set goals. In this busy world, I think we must. I am trying to spend less time online. I still love to visit with my online friends, so I leave special time for that.
ReplyDeleteI love my crock pot! What an invention!
Good for you! I've always felt spending time online is part of my job--but there are times I use it to avoid working!! That's what I try to avoid!
DeleteI set monthly goals but I do it in weeks. So I guess I set weekly goals??? lol
ReplyDeleteLove how you manage your time so well! I'm taking lessons.
Weekly goals are so effective! It's easy to scan a list of things I can do in a week and make progress. :)
DeleteGood for you, Jill! Your fab work habits are an inspiration! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy! I love the flexibility of working from home. It motivates me to have good work habits!
DeleteI sometimes do an end-of-the-month cram...but I'm like you - those goals really kick me into gear. Great job, finding that 'extra' time this week, Jill!
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