Monday, July 30, 2012

Goals


We all create them at one time or another, for daily things, errands, or a project.  But most of us also have them in our heads in the form of a life long list.  These lists have everything on them; to get married, have kids, take a vacation to an island, lose ten pounds, etc.  We even put the silly smaller things on them, like see all six Star Wars movies in a row, go to a concert, and try a new dish.  Then there is the 'some day' list.  This list is the dream list essentially.  We think we want these things but never have the means of going and getting them. This experiment is to help you with all three.  The first step is to have your list.  Second step is to leave room on the page for some notes.  Some items are gotten easily and others need a plan. Once you have list ready, break it into sections so we can begin to conquer it.  Then map out plans to conquer the list in 28 day allotments.   

The plan for the bigger items is to break each item down into a 28 day plan in which you will be able to test run the idea.  For example, if you want to write a book, map out the idea, and spend the next 28 days writing each day to see if you really have the commitment in you.Smaller items can be combined.  If there are a pile of movies you always say you are going to watch, get them all together and schedule them in for the next 28 days, then cross them off the list.Some items are too big for 28 days, but could be broken down into phases to get the plan rolling.  If you want to take the vacation of a lifetime, the 28 days would be used to plan the trip budget, itinerary, check the calendar for possible times to go and see if this trip works for you.  If yes, then the next 28 days would be phase two; work on implementing the budget and talking to travel agents. 

There are not set rules to this experiment.  It is just a motivational tool to get us on our feet and making our dreams a reality.

Habits


Bad habits took a long time to create and good ones take twice as long.  

Sometimes we even want new habits that we are convinced are good for us, but they just do not work for our lives.  You cannot have what you see others with.  It may not be for you.  

The 28 day experiment can help you on a path to finding out which habits are right for you and which aren’t.

Pick an item from your ‘self improvement wants’ list and decide how you can implement it for the next 28 days without fail.  Then go for it.  Commit yourself to 28 days only.

After the 28 days, you will see a difference in yourself.  If during the last week, we are counting the days for this experiment to end, maybe this habit is not yours to have.  But if the weeks fly by and you feel yourself liking the outcome, but all means stick to that habit.

My Own Challenge

I have tried so many ways to get things accomplished in my life and none have fully worked.  Some did for a little while, others failed miserably.  A few stuck, but those were due to extreme circumstances or giving the habit enough time to become a permanent change. I was watching a documentary this past weekend and it inspired me in many ways.  One way was the actual layout of the film.  I am in the middle of a documentary myself which will then turn into an ongoing project for my hometown.   I was amazed at how the documentary I was watching was done as simply as mine, and still left me with a lasting impression.  I also amazed myself by realizing I was actually making a film!  This eludes me at times.  I had an idea, I outlined it, and started creating it. I have done this several times in my life unintentionally.  A few things were intentional and they turned out great. So here I am at 40 wondering when life is going to start.  It already has, I just wasn’t paying attention.  I found my life to do list the other day.  I was amazed at the things on it.   I have decided to take the idea the film left me with and add a few other ideas I have picked up on my journey so far and get this personal project started. Since one of my things to do in life is create a successful website to help others, I am sharing every aspect of this journey as I go. Feel free to join me on this adventure and experiment with your own goals.