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Mental Wizard Update #3

• Each second that passes reflects a decision about what you have chosen to be doing at that time. The only question is: do you want to achieve more, get more done, have more time off, more sleep, make more money, play more golf, or just want more?

• You have chosen your current system because whether you have recognized it or not, it is the one that gives you the most value in gaining your selected goals. If you disagree, it is because you believe you have selected a goal and not achieved it. The reason why any goal is not achieved is because other goals had priority. There are strict rules for goal setting. There are only general rules for time management. If you get your goal setting wrong, your time management follows.
• Study the following rules of goal setting, and examine the sample Goal Setting Sheet provided. After that the easy and very general rules of time management will "stretch your lifetime".

  The Rules of Goal Setting

  Rule 1.

  To have the greatest chance of success with your goal, you must write it down. You can still achieve non-written goals, but your chances are less. How you write down is vital. The goal must be SMART. Anagrams are great because you remember them.
  S is for Specific,
  M is for Measurable,
  A is for Attainable,
  R is for Realistic, and
  T is for Tangible.

  Rule 2.

  You must write your goal in wording that states you have already achieved it. For example "I have just won the Most Valuable Player Award for my rugby club, and I can't stop smiling!"

  Rule 3.

  You must recognize the benefits of achieving the goal. "I now have the huge trophy, the congratulations of my friends and peers, and I feel excellent! Plus I won the bet with Steve."

  Rule 4.

  You must recognize obstacles which may arise, and have solutions prepared. "My fitness may be low - so I will train smarter and harder plus swimming; My knee is a little loose, so I will see the physio for a strengthening program.

  Rule 5.

  You must develop a list of very specific steps to be taken, with target dates, review dates and completion dates.

  Rule 6.

  After looking at all of the efforts to be taken - shown by the previous rules, you must decide if it is all worth it. Will you do it now, later, or forget it?
  

  Have a look now at the enclosed Goal Planning Sheet, and see how it only follows the rules.

  • You may copy this sheet for your own use.
  • It is useful to have a folder of your goals, both in progress and completed.
  • When you achieve a goal, write a big "ACHIEVED" across it, and keep it in the front of your folder.
  • Use a new sheet for each goal. ie one goal per sheet.

    It is a great motivator and confidence builder. Have as many goals as you want, and have them for different areas of your life. If you want to meet a wonderful person and fall in love, set the goal. Lose 20kgs - set the goal. Make double your present income - set the goal. Get into a particular job or University. Just follow the rules.

    Time Management is Now Simple

    That was goal setting. Not too difficult? Great. All that remains now is to recognize that at every moment of your life, that moment is the result of a decision you have made.

    Whether it is being asleep, slouching rather than sitting straight in a chair, making a phone call or not making a phone call, eating more, less or not at all. Right now as you read this you are making the decision to continue rather than stop and do something else.

    This is the only effective basis of time management. You must recognize that you always have choices, and that each choice you make is a result of goals you have selected.

    If you find yourself "stalled", then look for goals you have which you have not identified which conflict with the ones you have consciously chosen. If you are procrastinating, ask yourself what benefit or goal is achieved by that action. Remember - even total inaction is an action as the result of a decision. When looking for an unconscious, unidentified goal, be a little brutal with yourself until you discover it.

    Once you know what this other hidden goal is, recognize that all you have to do is replace it effectively - by simply following the rules! Do not beat yourself up over past failures, just see that it is the result of poor goal setting and the resulting choices you have made.

    The General Time Management Rules Are:

    • Use a diary with space for a daily "To Do List".
    • Make a daily list of everything you wish to accomplish.
    • Give each item a ranking of A, B or C based on their priority according to your own personal goals. [A is most important, C is least]
    • Do all of the A's then the B's, then the C's.
    • As you complete each task, tick it off.
    • At the end of the day move non-completed tasks to the next day or further into the future or delete if from the list if appropriate.

    In your interactions with other people recognize what your common goals are and ensure time is spent going toward them. If you have no common goals, use your own personal goals to decide on your moment by moment time usage. [Your own goals may include activities to help other people of friends.] Otherwise you will only a part of someone else's goals. Probably an unconscious, negative one.

    Apart from this, simply remember that each moment is used up in response to some goal. It may as well be a goal you want to achieve, rather than one which you have not consciously chosen. It is your choice.
    

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