Follow these eight steps for moving a project, goal, task or activity forward.

Let's take a simple project of deciding I want to start to exercise at a gym, realize that this is also related to a lifestyle change as its something you want to integrate on going in your life. The steps below can work for you for any project you define, even if yours is building a home.

1. Defining your Vision and Visualizing a successful outcome.
It's important to be clear about what you want. Find some quite time to sit and think about this. Perhaps take yourself out of your regular environment, for example going to the beach to have some time alone in a relaxing setting. If you think well by walking then do so, perhaps even in a forest or an uplifting place. Visualize your project as a success. What do you see? Define your goals.
If you started something and have stopped its important to go back and think about what your successful outcome would look like and also ask yourself what benefits do I get from doing this activity or project?

You may want to create a storyboard where you map out your vision of what you want. Put this collage where you can see it. You may want to also have a symbol of your vision that you carry around with you to help strengthen the vision even more. This physical reminder is for some of us very encouraging.

Example: Lets say my goal is starting to exercise or workout again and I envision doing so in a gym....I want the gym to be near to home.....I see myself at the gym and doing spinning and yoga ....I see how this is making me feel....I am less stressed...I feel energized.....I see what my body looks like...my muscles are in tone....I notice how balanced I am....I am doing more....when my kids are tired and crying, this doesn't affect me....I am eating better as I am caring about how I look and feel.

2. Planning - the next step
Time for planning and specifically of what the next step is, is a golden rule. I like to take advantage of the early hours of the morning when the kids are still sleeping to plan, organize my day or week, to follow through. This step is simple. Ask yourself what is the next step I need or want to do to move my project forward. This step is repeated throughout your project. Each time you finish your current step go back and ask yourself, now what is the next step?

Example: I will ask friends about gyms in the area or I will go to 2 gyms near me and get information and prices.
When you have decided on the gym and signed up then your weekly plan can include the times you will be going to the gym.

3. Checking what tools are needed
Check to see whether you require something for your projects that you need to buy or acquire. It may even be knowledge of how to do something. Ask yourself what don't I know? This step can be repeated together with point number 2. So when you define the next step you see what you may need. Do you need to get advice? Can you get information from the Web or by reading a book?

Example: I need to buy myself new sports shoes.

4. Building and maintaining a support system
You may need help in order to move your project forward. This may be related directly to your project and it also may relate indirectly like organizing help with your kids so that you are have time to move your project forward. Think about the people in your life that can support you on different levels. If you are generally independent and do most things alone then now is the time to ask yourself, what will I gain by letting others help me?

A support system is also about receiving encouragement from those around you. You may want to even ask for this from your family. Your number one fan is you though. Know that discouragement is THE reason for people failing to follow things through. Remind yourself: Yes I can!

Example: I will arrange a babysitter on the days that I need one in order to go to the gym. I will ask my Husband to support and encourage me to go. I will ask a friend if she wants to join the gym together with me.

5. Willing to pay a price
Usually where there is gain this comes at a price. Are you willing to pay that price? So identify what the price is. I also like to remember that as a parent we are modeling to our kids and this is the best way our children learn. Let them see you start and work on your new project, share with them, and you can even show them what you may be giving up in order to move your project forward.

Example: If my project is starting to go to the gym in the morning and this means less sleep, am I willing to wake up earlier and give up on my morning sleep in order to gain an hours exercise - YES!!!

6. Rewarding yourself
Rewarding yourself throughout your project in a way that is good for you may also assist you. A client of mine who decided she was no longer buying cakes when shopping now saves this money and will spend it on a massage.

7. Checking in
Remember Rome was not built in a day. Reflecting on your journey of where you started from and where you are now is important. My business clients do this in their weekly review. They reflect on the past week and what they have accomplished and plan the next week, making changes where necessary. Look at what IS working and what IS NOT for you. Be proud of what you have have achieved and check the above points to see if there is something that is missing.

8. Regulating your energy

Monitor yourself and know when you need to give yourself a break, when to push, how to regulate your steps that you do not get stressed. If your project is a big one then it may involve strategizing and breaking things down into baby steps. My cousin set as a goal for herself to run a 10KM marathon and partnered up with a friend. They have been training for the last 5 months. She went from hardly managing to run for one minute without huffing and puffing, to running for 60 minutes without stopping at all. All this in a period of five months. The training involves warmup before and cool down after their run with stretching before and after. The marathon is on Friday - Good Luck Jac!

If your project is related to a lifestyle change, like joining a gym because you want to exercise and improve your level of wellness, as opposed to a one time project like building a home, then especially for the lifestyle change, give yourself the space and time to create a new habit. Regression may happen during the course of your project or you may get stuck – that's ok, take a few deep breaths, tell yourself I am doing the best I can and review all eight steps again finding YOUR way again to move your project forward.


In conclusion ask yourself an interesting question. What's more important the process or the results?

Personal Growth

Samantha Amit, 18/3/2010
  

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