The End is Neigh.......2017

The month of November was my month to get things done. You know, it’s the end of the year, I’d promised myself to have things done in 2017, and suddenly its two months before the end of the year and you realize that the end of 2017 is neigh. So, I decided to join a group and set the month of November into full steam ahead and focus on getting the “really important things done” so I hadn’t wasted another year.

With brave heart and determination, I downloaded the work book, set up the monthly planner and created my to do list for the month. Then carefully made sure there was a mix of simple things that I could easily accomplish (you know that good feeling you get when you tick something off a list?) and also some things that were a bit trickier and I’d have to invest some time and effort into. Voila my list was prepared and beautifully presented ready to go.

What happened?

Guess what happened next? You guessed it nothing… I got busy, or thought of other things that should have gone onto the list. Then I even started thinking that I needed to get extra things done, things not even on the list! Anything but actually doing what was on the list. 

So, what happened? Fear. Fear of starting. What if I start in the wrong place, should I do this action before the next, I’ve missed a couple of days – maybe it’s too late to start. My conscious actions really wanted to get these things done, but the unconscious protective mind started interrupting with all sorts of doubts and limiting beliefs.

Bringing down crazy town

This is where self-sabotage resides. It’s when you start thinking: this is so hard; I can’t do it. Or I hate this; it’s not fun anymore. The main reason it’s not fun is because you feel conflicted, part of you wants to keep going, and another part wants you to stop and give up. What do you do?

Stop. Yes stop. Acknowledging your thoughts and then bring your attention back to one or two things you can do immediately on the list. Do them, put a big green tick on them and give yourself a pat on the back. Then stop again and then next day follow the same cycle of doing at least one thing on the list (maybe make it a bit harder or longer), get it done and then tick it off. Make sure you give yourself a pat on the back and maybe even tell a few friends of your accomplishments. Keep your focus and before you know it the list will be nearly complete.

Here are a few more tips to keep your focus and finish

• Work on your list daily. Each day try and do one thing, no matter how big or small just one thing (at least).
• Make it fun. If there are elements that you can make fun, do it.
• Keep the end in mind. If you have a few things that are part of a bigger project focus on the bigger outcome.
• Trust in your abilities. When paralysed with doubt, remind yourself that you have made some progress and you can complete it if you stick with it.

With only 7 more weeks until the end of the year – what are you going to accomplish?

Good luck.

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