Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Willpower... It's Time to Make it Work For You!

Uncover a special tried-and-true way to ensure that you're making forward progress on your projects and goals... and in the shortest amount of time possible. 

Make Your Willpower Work For You!

By: Kel Amstutz

We have been chatting about chunking, about timers, about blocking out distractions to get stuff done. It's great and all... but, I need to be truthful here. I have saved the absolute best for last!

Today, I am going to show you how to make forward progress quickly- and the secret... well, it actually lies within...

 

OK.... let me explain. Every morning you wake up and have a certain amount of willpower. I'll be honest... today I woke up with very little. But, in doing some research something stood out to me. Chris Bailey, who is at A Year of Productivity, says that your maximum willpower moment is first thing in the morning. 



To get the most out of your "peak willpower" state, you need to begin your day with your toughest task. And... unfortunately, getting out of bed is not what we mean here!

To elaborate further, this might be a task that is pretty challenging, and that is okay. Because study after study has shown that when you first wake up, your brain is it's sharpest, regardless of your caffeine intake. 

It might even be a task that you are just plain avoiding, but this boost of willpower first thing will help you push through the task and onto the next level.  These good-for-you-but-dreaded tasks are sometimes referred to as "frogs." 

I came across a book that I highly recommend reading, as I felt it has played a huge role in my own productivity. It's called Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time, by Brian Tracy, who is a productivity expert in his own right.

But, with this being said, I should mention something else that you really need to know about these tasks and your brain...

Psychologists talk a lot about "positive feedback loops" and personal behavior. Basically, when you do something that makes you feel happy, more confident in yourself, it creates a positive sensation that you would like to experience again... and again.... So, you will work harder, longer hours, or just in a more focused way, all because you have that "positive rush." 

I mean, think about it, starting each day with a positive rush- that kind of feeling that says, "Yes, I'm a person who works on my goals and finishes things!" 

It would dramatically increase your productivity for the rest of the day. Plus, at the end of the week, you would look at how much you have tackled and it would show five of your biggest challenges or priorities and that would leave you feeling all kinds of good!

So, with one small shift- doing the toughest thing first things in the morning, when you are most capable of doing it- you can improve your output level, your mental state, and your likelihood of staying productive.


Give it a try! Rise and shine. Set a timer for 25 minutes- pick a "frog" from your to-do list. Work without stopping until that timer dings.

And... don't forget to share your results in the comments. 

  • What did you pick to work on, and how did it feel to make that forward progress on that task?  

 


I'm looking forward to hearing your answers. After all, it really is amazing how little things- just some small changes in task organization or work order- can make a huge impact on your productivity and long-term success.

 

Happy Writing!

 




Want to check out my Writing BLOG - visit: www.kdbrinegar.com



Monday, May 11, 2020

6 (ALMOST) FOOLPROOF STRATEGIES FOR MEETING DEADLINES

MEETING DEADLINES IS A KEY PART OF RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS.  IF YOU STRUGGLE WITH COMPLETING PROJECTS ON TIME, THESE SIX (6) STRATEGIES ARE SURE TO HELP YOU ON YOUR WAY!


6 (almost) Foolproof Strategies for Meeting Deadlines
By: Kel Amstutz
Monday, May 11, 2020



Sometimes I have to remind myself of a quote from a LEGEND of Productivity and Personal Leadership when I have a project with a deadline.  Napoleon Hill said, 

"A goal is a dream with a deadline."

  
I think of this quote anytime anyone says anything about a deadline... and my inner procrastinator's instinct starts to kick in to rebel or negotiate a later deadline... even before I begin on the said project.  

But... due in part to the fact that I watch entirely too much T.V. the filter between brain and mouth reminds me about deadlines attributed to Robert Herjavec, from ABC's Shark Tank.  He said, 


"A goal without a deadline is just a dream."


Two quotes... about dreams and deadlines... and the kind of do work together...

These words seem to shift me productivity into GO-MODE and remind me that while deadlines can be stressful (I mean, that does go without saying... right?), I can achieve a lot more with deadlines than without them. 


There is a reason why deadlines are IMPORTANT:

  • Deadlines help our minds focus. Without them, it would be entirely too easy to lose track of time, give in to distractions and wander down the myriad of rabbit holds offered by the endless internet before us. 

Over the years, I have found six awesome strategies that have helped me keep on task and meet my deadlines...
  

STEP 1:  Set REALISTIC Deadlines


I know what you are thinking... really?  It seems too obvious. But, you would be surprised at how often people will set a deadline without thinking through how long it will really take for them to complete the project... and don't get me started on reviewing things that are already on the table to get done. 



It is well-documented that we (both individuals and groups) predictably underestimate the time necessary to complete projects when we are setting our deadlines. 

So... what do we do about this?

To combat this tendency, follow these steps:

  1.  Consider past projects that are of a similar nature and scope.  How long did they take you?  The answer to this question will give you a general idea of what you can expect.
  2. Break down the project into the logical steps that you will go through and assign a time to each of those steps. You will most likely come up with a time frame that is similar to what you did in step 1, but now you will have some milestones to keep you on track. 
  3. Consider what you will need from others. Have you worked with these people before? How quickly do they usually deliver? Make sure that you are factoring in these small details into your timeline.
  4. And finally, take the numbers you come up with and multiply them by at least two (2).  Do this for one of two reasons. First, unexpected things WILL come up. And second, it is very likely that your memory of past projects is not perfect, so this extra time will insulate you.
Going through these four steps will help you obtain a pretty accurate idea of how long a project should take you... but you still HAVE TO STAY ON TRACK!  

This brings me to my second strategy... 

STEP 2: Have a Written Plan to Meet your Deadline


If you start to think of coming to the end of a project like a journey... your very first step should be to pick your destination. 

This is the DEADLINE.

The next step is to plan you route. 

By designing your written plan, you get your brain thinking about the series of tasks that you need to take to complete the project and to ultimately meet your deadline.  Now, your brain secretly DOES NOT like to leave anything unfinished, so this step really gets your brain set on completing those tasks, even before you start to carry them out. 

In other words, writing out your project plan prepares your mind for the tasks required to complete it and meet the deadline.

Additionally, writing down your plan (and deadline) forces YOU to look at the specifics and to make concrete decisions on each of the steps necessary and know when you can tackle each of them. 

This strategy of having a written plan for completing a project is the  
SECRET SAUCE of meeting deadlines. 

I have taken a few coaching courses along my own journey and committing to the plans (or goals) in your writing is so very important.... because it:

  • Motivates you.
  • Forces YOU to filter other opportunities and obligations.
  • Provides clarity.
  • Forces you to see - and celebrate - progress.
  • Helps you focus on the goal (rather than the push back). 
But, don't mistake PLANNING for DOING.  You need to QUICKLY move from the planning stages into actually working on your project(s).

This strategy is largely about PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY.  Having a set plan with internal deadlines WILL help you to AVOID the dreaded procrastination. 

That being said, it will also help you be accountable to the outside forces when you are working on a deadline.  Many times this is built-in, because the deadline is set by an editor, copy chief, or anyone who is higher up on the pay scale. But, being held accountable by someone else definitely keeps us on a deadlines... right?

So, moving on to the next strategy...


STEP 3: Share with Your Team

Accountability works way better when others are involved. I mean, most of the people that I know... if they are being honest... are NOT the best at holding themselves to a task...

But, most people I know do not like to look like they are scatterbrained... or a slacker... in front of people that they care about. 

When possible, tell other people about your deadline. And not just the BIG ONE at the end, but the significant milestones you hit along the way. 


Within your personal life, you could tell your partner/spouse, roommate or a close friend. Ask them to check in with you periodically to see how your project is going. Your desire to be able to answer them in a way that makes you look good will help keep you motivated and on task. 

Professionally, share those milestones that you have set with your client. And then, send them a weekly email to update them on your progress. Believe me, this one goes a long way... and after you have sent one "nothing to report" message, you will get back on task real quick!

What about Mastermind or Accountability groups?  I personally love this format, letting other like-minded people come together to lift one another up.  They are so great for holding your accountable. 

A really big aspect of accountability is building rewards and detriments...

If you hit a milestone, have a specific celebration in mind. It could be small- like an afternoon movie... or, when you complete a major project, it might be bigger.  A few of my bigger rewards have been buying an expensive item... or going out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. 

A quick example of a personal accountability stick - or a detriment- that I have set for not achieving a goal is donating a set amount of money to a local charity.  If you want to make this effective, donate to a political candidate... you will NEVER stop getting mail.  

However, the simple fact remains... the most IMPORTANT accountability and reward tool for meeting deadlines is...

Y O U .

If you don't set deadlines.... or take deadlines seriously... (and this is across the board... deadlines set by YOU... set by an editor... copy chief... or supervisor), then NO AMOUNT of internal or external accountability - or planning- will matter. 

To make that happen, you have to...

STEP 4: Do The Work.


Obviously... right.  But, as world-class procrastinators will attest, this is sometimes the hardest part. 

You can draw out a deadline and set an ideal deadline... you can design a perfectly written plan to meet that deadline... you can get the right resources and support... but, if you don't start the work, you are NOT going to meet the deadline.

Don't wait for tomorrow or next week.... Don't wait for later today... Nope... 

START NOW



Even though you are not going to finish today, you just need to START.

By "today," I mean whatever day you're given the project. You've set the deadline, designed your plan to achieve it, and even set up your accountability network...

So, DIG IN!  Start doing the actual project. Aim to complete at least your first small task. Your brain is tuned in to your project and its deadline.... so now is the perfect time.  

But... doing the WORK also means AVOIDING distractions during the time you have set aside to work on this project. 

I get it. Distractions happen.  The competition for your time and attention is fierce and it comes from MANY different sources.  You have to take a hard stance against them and maintain complete focus on the task at hand. 

So, close your browser... this will allow you to avoid internet surfing.... Close the office door so you have peace and quiet.  Set your phone to "Do Not Disturb," so you aren't tempted to answer texts or check in on your notifications. 

It's really that simple - but, putting it all into action might not be.  Focus can take practice, and the best time to start developing your ability to focus is RIGHT NOW.

Now, you might be wondering what else I could say.  These four strategies might be enough to meet your deadline... and sure, they might be.... BUT, I have found two additional strategies that are also very helpful...


STEP 5: Don't Add Extra Work to the Deadline


OK.... Projects and Requirements change... I totally get that. 

However, avoid adding to your work when you already have an assigned and defined project, especially if a negotiated deadline has already been established and set.  If your client needs you to do extra work, well, OK, but you will need to adjust the deadline. 

I always make it clear with the clients I am under a deadline with: 

  • If the project requirements change - expanding - and those changes must be incorporated into the current project and its deadline - the deadline will require adjustment in order to account for the additional work. 

And... one final bonus strategy....

STEP 6: Don't Be Afraid to Ship in "Beta"


This strategy comes from the land of software development.  Software is built and tested internally with a development team, who try to test and grab all the bugs in the "alpha" phase of the project.

In regards to copywriting, I compare this to a first complete draft of a piece. You have worked  through the entire blog post, editorial article, e-newsletter, email series, landing page, video sales letter, or long-form sales letter.  You've outlined the entire piece, you have all the research compiled and organized, and you have a rough draft of all the necessary pieces laid out in the correct order.

Then... "beta" is the NEXT PHASE.

In the software development world, this means the software is complete and has all the features.  This is the version that companies often use in public demonstrations, and sometimes it's released to a limited group for real-world testing. It's complete, but ... it's likely to still have some bugs. 

In copywriting, this means you have ensured all the major components of this piece of copy or content are present... you have given it the once over and ensured that style and voice are used correctly.  It has survived your internal process of beating it up. 

Your next step is to get some further input. And, it does not have to be "perfect" to take this next step. That need for perfection is where so many writers get HUNG UP

I have no idea who said it first, but I have heard the saying "Done is better than perfect." 

This is a hard one to swallow, especially for me... O.C.D. and all. 

But, getting it out the door by the deadline is better than perfect. 

If you don't get the project done on time, you are risking so much... missed opportunities... even missing the opportunity to make the copy better. 

Let me explain this a little further...
 
You can do personal review and tweak your work ... forever... and you still might never get it "just right".  Why?  Well, you need editor feedback to make it better.

See... we need people who AREN'T US, who don't have our set of assumptions, who don't have our worldviews, who don't have our bias towards the copy or content.... to actually review it and give us a sense of what's working... and what isn't.  

You can not be a proofreader and editor at the same time. These are just simple facts.

Remember, as a copywriter or a content developer, you are responsible for RESULTS.  You can NOT be afraid to put yourself on the hook. You can deliver. You need to deliver. 

Embrace your deadlines; they are not your enemy... I swear. 

Instead... they are really the BEST FRIEND a writer can have. Deadlines create a sense of urgency within us. They make sure that we FINISH what we start and that we continue to move forward and grow... and... drum-roll please.... because this is the KICKER.. 

They ultimately help us build the life we want... The Writer's Life.... 






Don't take my word for it. Use these six strategies for yourself. Don't forge to share your experiences or tips that work for you in your journey.  We love feedback! 









Tuesday, January 9, 2018

When the going get's tough....

When the going get's tough....
by: Kel Amstutz
January 9, 2018


Happy New Year to you all!  

It's about time that we all get real, here.  It's a new year, after all. Time to break it all down...life...goals...failures...achievements.  It's time to reflect. 


At least...that is what I save January for...REFLECTION!

It's also a time to "GET SERIOUS" - and boy do I ever mean that. 

I am going to be starting my own personal FITNESS JOURNEY....it will be honest...emotional...raw...and most importantly-- real.  I know what I have to do...what I NEED to do...and what I will struggle to achieve.  It's not a DIET- because those are STUPID!!!  This is about being fit, being healthy, and finding a happy medium.  I refuse to stop enjoying life, but I also refuse to keep on feeling the guilt, the moods and the self conscious feelings that 2017 consumed me with.  I want to feel great...which happens on both the INSIDE and the OUTSIDE. 




Today marks the beginning to the "New & Improved" Kel Amstutz. I will video blog...I will take pictures of things that may or may not interest you...but I will do this.  I hope you might find interest along the way, so that we can build a community of sorts, a place to lean on one-another and keep striving to the goals ahead. 




So....HAPPY 2018... #letsdothis

Note: I am starting my journey---Officially---today, Tuesday, January 9, 2018 - but I am 9 WHOPPING days into this year and have not had 1 single POP since January 1st. #truestory  This is an achievement for me- because it has been a long while since I have not "cheated" myself and snuck one here or there. #achievementnumberone 

My first resolution was to CUT OUT POP- so, naturally, I binged up until MIDNIGHT on January 1st and then it was NO MORE!!! I even dumped the 2 liter we had left in the fridge after letting it sit there for a few days. #gome




THE BEGINNING OF MY JOURNEY:

Day #1:

Date: January 9, 2018
Weight:  142 lbs. (eek...)
Goal:  125 lbs.  *Keep food diary and drink lots of H2O.

A.M. - 2 Thrive Women's Capsules with Water.  1 Thrive Patch. 

Breakfast: 
1 packet Chocolate Thrive 
1 packet Cafe Thrive
1/2 c Milk
1/2 c Water
7 Ice Cubes
*blend

12 Ounces Water (Aquafina)

Snack:
1/2 c Flavored Mini Marshmellows


Lunch: 
PB&J Sandwich (whole wheat white bread x2 slices)
1 Activia Smoothie *Strawberry
1/2 c NAKED Strawberry/Banana Smoothie

8 Ounces Water (Aquafina)

Dinner:
1 c White Rice
1/2 chicken breast lightly seasoned with Olive Oil and Lemon Pepper Seasoning Mix

8 Ounces Water (Aquafina)

Snack before bed:
1/4 c Roasted Peanuts
Water









Wednesday, November 2, 2016

The Work Online Revolution and Why it Works For Women

Goals, Lifestyle, Motherhood

by: Kel Amstutz






Technology 

 has changed our lives dramatically when it comes or day-to-day activities

This is a fact. 

We really can't go one day without checking our emails or social media, for that matter! 

I posted a post a while back showing a little cabin in the middle of now-where with the meme, could you survive 30 days here with plenty of food, firewood, water, etc. but without technology, i.e. no T.V., cell service, social media outlets, Wi-Fi, etc. 

Well, could you?

We seem to always be within arms reach of our smart phone or iPad's/Tablets/Computers. 

Why is that? 

Well, the basic answer to this question is simply because it is easier to research using the internet, I mean, does anyone remember card catalogs at the library? 

Probably not because they are tucked into a dark, dusty corner, basically extinct!  

We shop, browse, learn, read and even work online using our technology that is within our reach, right!  




So, why does working online work for women like you and me?

Let's think about a traditional job, you commute, like, in traffic!  

You are usually on a fixed work schedule and that includes a salary of sorts working for an employer. 

This is the definition of a traditional job, within a brick and mortar building.


Well, working from home, online, means that you park the commute, because you typically have a home office, you don't necessarily have fixed hours and you usually control your income.  You can set you income target and work accordingly. At the end of the day, you will be paid what you expect and deserve.  The best part of working from home is that you gauge how your days goes. I find that my energy is different throughout the day and this comes in handy when working from home. I find my happy place when I get to sit down when I am most productive and focus on my work at home work when this is at the highest peak.  It feels like I am not even working because I love what I do, from home!

Online jobs can also offer you control over the type of tasks that you want to work on. 

Based on your mood or temperament, you can choose your field and work on those kinds of tasks. 

This varies from Entrepreneur to Virtual Assistant to Freelance Designer.  

The more productive that you find yourself, the more income you can earn. 




Let's break down the Rules for working online or from Home:

OK, with all good things comes some rules, right. 

Don't worry though, they are easy to follow and will help you on your work at home goals. 


1. Get ready for work. This is important. I follow the same morning routine as when I was going into the office everyday. Set boundaries because this will allow you to be as productive as you can be. 

2. Dress up already! Being in a nice shirt or blouse and slacks or jeans reinforces my self-image and boosts my confidence even when I am working from home. 

3. Be online on time. I am ready for work everyday at 10:00 a.m. I even say that I am going to work, even if I am at home. This is a boundary that I have set and instill. Also, if you have children, hire child care, if you need it! I am lucky this year because my kids are both in school but last year, I had my parents take my kiddo during work hours, while my other one attended school. Again, this is a boundary!

4. Always go home at the end of the day. When you are at work, be at work. But, when you go home or break for lunch even, really be home. Learn to separate the two, even though both are at home. I put up my computer for the night when I sign off and do homework with my kids, play, make dinner, relax and most recently, divulge in Harry Potter movies on Friday evenings with my snuggle bugs. This is a huge boundary that has taken me some time to master!      

You need to define your own boundary list, but remember your why

Why else does working from home work for us women?  

Mine is because it allows me to be flexible, focus on my family and continue my creative processes while earning an income!




Do you work from home? Tell me about your career or business in the comments!!!    





 
Nope! I can't wait to be done with school in two weeks and then off to my dream job! Haters approval not needed! I have found something I love to do! It makes me happy to see I'm such an inspiration to all my haters :):
If you found this post interesting, I bet you’ll love checking out my other most popular posts:

 


 Here is my most popular eBook! 

   I strongly recommend my eBook, The Social Media Manager Kit by Kel (w/ bonus) in order to get you started. It will include templates for emailing potential clients or those you landed a completed job with, it will allow you to focus and challenge you to keep moving forward. 


This life, working at home, being financial free and with my family, is something that I used to dream about

Today...
  • I am living it. 
  • I am loving it. 
  • I am making it my life! 

Need More Help?  


Check out my eBook, Make your Dream a Reality in 30 Days or Less! - a jump start guide with templates to get you ready, set and ROCKING this Social Media Manager gig! 




 


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