HIT THE GROUND RUNNING THIS SEPTEMBER

Whether or not you are personally impacted by the start of a new school year, this time of year provides an opportunity to take stock and re-motivate.  I hope you had a chance this summer to slowdown, relax, rewind, and reflect.  If not, perhaps you can carve out some time this coming holiday weekend.

Whether it’s over the summer or at various points throughout the year, it is important to take some time to step back to look at the big picture of your life so you can clarify goals and desires. What does living my "best life" look like? What can I do to get there?

When September arrives, you are likely to return to daily routines and more focused and demanding work.

To head in the right direction, start with your ultimate goal and develop small steps to achieving it. How can you motivate yourself to get through the steps? Here are a few pointers:

START SMALL  

Don't bite off too much; make each step achievable.  For example, if you're looking to earn a graduate degree, think of each course as a step in the process. If you want to exercise more regularly, commit to 2-3 days a week and build from there.

REWARD YOURSELF

Even small accomplishments can be recognized. The reward does not need to be grand or expensive, but the acknowledgement that you have achieved something will motivate you to move forward. Although I work from home, I never allow myself to indulge in a good Netflix show until after dinner; it’s my reward for working hard during the day. I also reward myself with reading fiction before going to sleep and on weekends.

DO THE HARD THINGS FIRST

We often hesitate to begin because we fear what is most difficult. By doing the hardest tasks first, we get them out of the way and the rest appears easier and within reach. You can learn more about fighting procrastination here.

How will you spend these last few days of August to prepare yourself for a more productive September?

WANT MORE PRODUCTIVITY TIPS?

Check out Super-Productive: 120 Strategies to Do More and Stress Less.

Available on Amazon.