Believe me when I tell you this post is more for me than it is for you. One of the first ways we empower ourselves is to admit we have a problem and confront it head on.
I have two main problems when it comes to achieving the goals I have . . . procrastination and excuses. I know that I am not alone. Truthfully, (for many) procrastination and excuses share a common factor . . . FEAR (but, I will save that topic for next time).
Photo credit unknown via Pinterest
3 basic excuses:
• Lack of time
• Lack of money
• Lack of knowledge
The solutions:
Time is running out theory:
I noticed that when I tell myself there is not enough time in the day for this or that . . . I am lying. Sure my day is filled with work and mommy duties however; the truth is if I want something bad enough, I need to be willing to sacrifice something else. Like what? Television time is one option. Do I really need to watch that episode of Criminal Minds or can I wait to catch the repeat?
You may be thinking well, we all need some down time. That is true, but I also recognize that if I concrete on my goal at this time then, that means extra time for “me time” in the future.
The money issue (or lack of it can be more of a challenge, but there are a few options that may help with the financial excuse):
• Cutting back on the unnecessary spending . . . That means not purchasing any new clothing and shoes (sighs) unless absolutely needed. In my case, the only people in my house who will absolutely need new shoes are the two who are growing out of their shoes every two days. Yes, not purchasing those high heels may be heartbreaking decision today, but I need to concentrate on the prize at the end of the goal.
• Find it for free (if possible). Sometimes, free means doing it all yourself. If you are an entrepreneur just getting your company off the ground . . . for you it will mean wearing many different hats from employee to CEO. If you want to start a blog and funds are low, it will mean settling for a free template and/or learning basic HTML/CSS to make changes yourself.
• Barter for services . . . If you own a blog try offering free ad space in exchange for (just an example) a logo design. If you are a photographer offer to take the photos of an event a business is having in exchange for ______. An event planner may offer to plan the wedding of a lawyer’s daughter in exchange for legal work. These examples are not the best however, I am sure that you get the gist of what I mean.
Lack of Knowledge:
Just because you don’t know doesn’t mean you can’t learn.
Sure, when it comes to something like . . . legal matters . . . a person well educated in the law is mandatory however; it is good to know the basics pertaining to your situation. So, how do you acquire knowledge?
Google (of course): The Internet is filled with free knowledge. What do you need to know? I needed a DIY tutorial on replacing a wax ring (for a toilet), I Googled the words “how to replace a wax ring” and up popped the results. Guess what, I did it!! (Well, I had help because toilets way too heavy to lift alone).
Classes/workshops: When I decided to blog on a “professional” level; I took a day class on HTML at the local community college. The class did cost more than $50 yet less than $100; BUT the basis information has been priceless. I have also taken classes on self-publishing and event planning. Many times organizations offer free to low cost workshops. SCORE is one such organization. I have attended their “Start a Business” workshops also; they have free counseling services for entrepreneurs.
Your turn:
Photo Credit: Unknown via Pinterest
What are your excuses?
Share with your girlfriends!
Good Read.
Thank You
Marti
Little goals are easy for me. I put them iN my phone and check them off as they’re done. It’s the big ones that are hard. I’ve wanted to move to a new house for years. Am I closer to my goal? Maybe. Keeping my eye on the big picture is hard, really hard.
I have a hard time with excuses. I feel that most women are too hard on themselves. I should go to the gym but I don’t. Why? It takes up too much f-ing time. Some people would call that an excuse, I call it reality. I have work that must be done, so I go for 30 minute walks instead and fit them in where I can.
In the end I thin focusing on the positive, making lists of baby steps and offering ourselves rewards when we reach milestones is more important and more effective than simply demanding that we stop making excuses. There are. O excuses in my book, only reasons.
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You know what they say, there’s always time for everything. I think what we all need is to prioritize
Kaye Awatin
Blog: http://thestyleflux.blogspot.com
Twitter: @thestyleflux
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