The #1 myth in achieving your goals is “just do it”.
Before you can actually get the job or make a 6-figure income, you have to do more than “just do it”. If it were that easy the weight-loss industry wouldn’t be making 20 billion a year.
To create change, to grow, to level up we need more than a slogan. Sorry, Nike, Just Do It isn’t going to cut it.
Whether you’re looking for a new job, or trying to build a successful business, you need more than the right attitude. You need more than motivation.
What you really need is to adapt your situation to support you in your success. Because you’re not going to get where you want to be by doing the things you’ve always done! Can I get a, d’uh!
I see it so often with clients- they aren’t getting the results they want in their business or career and they struggle to make a change. They talk about mindset. They say things like, “I just can’t seem to get started,” or, “I’ve been trying to do this for over a year.”
One of the most overlooked methods to support you in actually achieving your goals is managing your environment. It may be the most important element in mastering productivity. You set yourself up for success by creating an environment that makes doing something different as easy as possible. Let me give you an example…
How to master productivity
Let’s say you’re unemployed and looking for employment. What time of day are you most productive? In the morning, afternoon, or evening? Most of us have natural times where we’re at our peak productivity. One way you can set yourself up to succeed is to schedule time to send out resumes based on when you’re most productive.
Where are you doing the work to look for a new job? Sitting on your couch? Laying in bed? At the kitchen table? You’ll find it easier to stay focused when you’re working in a dedicated “work area”- an area free of distractions like, “oh, I’ll just throw in a load of laundry,” and dedicated to work. I recommend finding a space that helps you feel “in the zone”. That space may not even be in your home- it might be at a coffee shop, the library, or co-working space.
When you sit down to look for a job, do you have 5 windows open on your web browser? (Confession time: I currently have 11 windows open. Whoops!) You can set yourself up for success by closing Facebook- you might even log off Facebook completely. (Oh, the horror!) Turn your phone on silent. Minimize digital distractions to make it easier for you to focus on the task at hand.
Here are some different elements of your environment to consider:
Physical location
Tip: Work in a space dedicated to work, not in a space where you also rest or recreate.
Time of day
Tip: Work at a time of day when you’re naturally productive.
Work length
Tip: Most of us are more productive in 45-60 minute sprints.
Work schedule
Tip: Create a work schedule and work only during those hours. Avoid checking email or returning that phone call during non-work hours.
Block out time
Tip: Block out time on your calendar dedicated to working on your goals.
Make it special
Tip: Invest in colorful pens and a fancy journal, or a high quality office chair. Investing in items specific to achieving your goals supports you in achieving those goals.
Digital distractions
Tip: Declutter digitally! Close unnecessary browsers, silence your phone, and turn off the TV.
Set the mood with music
Tip: Do you work better with or without background music? Play music or don’t- whichever helps you be more productive.
Outside distractions
Tip: If you have to work at home, ask family members not to interrupt you during work sprints. Work in a quiet area or put in headphones if outside noise will be a distraction.
Exercise
Tip: Work out before you get down to work, and do something physical such as taking a walk around the block between work sprints.
Sleep
Tip: Get a good night’s sleep and work when you feel rested.
Take breaks
Tip: Taking regular breaks increases your concentration and innovation!
Mastering productivity can help you reach your goals. All too often we expect big results by using a mind-over-matter approach to goal setting. You can’t “just do it” without creating an environment that supports you in meeting your goals.
Do you agree? Have you ever thought of managing your environment to support you in achieving goals?
Are you going to try these tips but you’re stuck and you don’t know the next step in your business or career? Download the free 8-Step Plan to getting unstuck!