Goal Setting tips - linked to January 2009 ezine

Here are some common sense ideas that can make a big difference in your general wellbeing - simple goal setting strategies:

1. List your personal commitments in order of importance, eg family, extended family, friends, relaxation, hobbies or leisure activities.
2. Break down your working day into categories such as business or topic development, internal meetings, seminars and so on. Make a comprehensive list.
3. Allocate time to each activity in point 2 (include weekends).
4. Look at the big picture. Regardless of whether you think you have any choice, are you devoting too much time to work at the expense of your personal life? If you are and this is causing you anxiety, it’s time to act. Think about what your ideal work/life balance would be.
5. Look for a mentor/business friend/coach for input.
6. Set realistic goals. If you currently work 12-hour days, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to change to an eight-hour day straightaway. However, improved time-management can enable you to finish earlier.
7. Reward yourself every time you make progress.
8. Be selfish with every second. Stop doing things that are a waste of your time. Rationalise. Use your time to the maximum benefit.
9. Improve your habits. We all make to-do lists... Now create stop lists, ie stop checking email every hour – check it at 9am and 5pm only. Stop watching so much television.
Stop drinking that extra glass of alcohol. Stop forwarding unnecessary emails. Stop unnecessary meetings. Stop the pity parties.
10. Delegate tasks to others – learn to let go. Consider outsourcing some of your management activities to external suppliers such as a freelance book-keeper or bursar.
11. Take regular breaks. Removing yourself from the location for some fresh air will make you less stressed, more focused.

This is an excerpt taken from my book "Love your Life... Survive the System..."
And further goal setting tips are posted on previous blog entries.