246 C.M. Pugh
USEFUL TIPS FOR GOAL SETTING
Completing large tasks - Let the action be the reward. Once you have outlined a path, allow the doing or the process to be the reward and where the pleasure resides, not just the end result.
Break the mold - The key force that either drives you towards your goals or holds you back is your subconscious mind. Goal setting is necessary for your subconscious mind to accept your goals and start working for you. Otherwise it will work hard to keep you in the comfort zone of present conditions and old habits.
FIGURE 15.8 Useful tips for goal setting
the reason for the overwhelming feelings that persist during these times, the best approach is to divide the task into man- ageable parts. There are three useful steps in dividing large tasks:
1.Identify the activities associated with the final completion of the task. Brainstorm what needs to be done to complete the task. Sit down and write out the steps neces- sary to complete the task. Identification of key subtasks will help build a clear picture of the steps you need to take.
2.Allocate time for subtasks. Take your list of actions or sub- tasks and begin allocating time and dates to complete them. Try not to overburden yourself or you’ll resort to where you started and risk loss of motivation.
3.Execution of subtasks. At this point you should have a fairly clear picture of what needs to be done and how long it’s going to take. Once you get started keep in mind that each subtask you complete should give you a sense of accomplishment.This helps to keep you motivated and on target toward achieving the larger goal.
Maximizing Efficiency
The key to maximizing efficiency is being organized; multi- tasking when possible; and keeping a clear, positive drive toward meeting your goals (Fig. 15.9).
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Chapter 15. Time Management |
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TABLE 15.5 SMART goals |
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Specific |
Establishing a specific goal enables you to clarify |
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what you want to achieve, and to set standards |
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for that achievement. In making your goals |
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specific, it is important that you write them down. |
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This is crucial in all goal-setting guidelines |
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Measurable |
For a goal to be measurable you need a way to |
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evaluate progress and document specific criteria |
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that will tell you when you can stop and the goal is |
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achieved. Being able to document progress is very |
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important in staying motivated and is the key to |
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enjoying the process of achieving the goal |
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Attainable |
An attainable goal is a goal for which you see a |
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realistic path to achievement, and know there are |
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reasonable odds that you will get there. It is well |
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known that the best goals provide a personal |
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challenge. Succeeding at a challenging goal will give |
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you more motivation and sense of achievement |
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Rewarding |
You should have clear reasons why you want to |
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reach a certain goal. It is important that the goal is |
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really yours and that you can clearly identify why |
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achieving it will be rewarding for you.This will help |
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you stay motivated through difficult moments and |
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not quit |
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Timely |
Your goal should have a specific time limit. Time |
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is the price you pay for the reward of achieving |
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a goal. Setting the deadline will protect you from |
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paying a higher price than the goal is worth.This |
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can help protect you from procrastination and |
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perfectionism |
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Adapted from Time-Management Guide.com5
Get Organized
You can waste a lot of time during your day due to disorgan ization. Looking for documents, important emails, or previ- ously used journal articles can easily steal hours of your time. Many people struggle with disorganization. While some think they can succeed amidst the chaos, disorganization has a high price. Lack of organization can hold you back from achieving your goals, block creativity, add stress to your life, and prevent you from being productive and effective.
248 C.M. Pugh
USEFUL TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY
We can all afford to step back and ask if we are managing our time properly and efficiently.
Take a team approach – ask for help, pay for help, invest time in training others to help.
Personal health - “Some of it is part of who we are… we are naturally driven… but sometimes you have to get off the adrenaline train and reconnoiter…” Anonymous Professor
Go to bed! – If you are tired, you are less likely to be productive.
FIGURE 15.9 Useful tips for maximizing efficiency
Multitasking
There are two camps when it comes to advice on multitasking – the true believers and the naysayers.Examples from the believer camp include deleting mass and spam emails that do not apply to you while riding an exercise bike in the gym or having multiple journal articles at various stages of completion. The naysayers believe multitasking makes you lose your focus and risks not getting any work done. Having multiple unfinished tasks cre- ates stress for some people, but prevents boredom for others.
Think Positive
Worrying about your goals and tasks steals energy and wastes time. Whether you are questioning your ability to meet your goals or worrying about the acceptance of a paper or abstract, negative thoughts steal time away from other tasks. None of the time management strategies will work if you are dis- tracted by negative thoughts. A useful strategy is to talk to someone. Spouses, colleagues, and friends can help you address your concerns efficiently and help you get back on track. Dr. Donald Wetmore, a time management expert states: