One of my promises to my clients is that I will remind them of what is important to them when they forget. I keep track of their “larger life goals,” as well as the daily tasks that they need to accomplish in order to reach these goals.
Most people want to live a balanced life, which includes having fun. Summer is a time that many people look forward to as a time to travel, explore locally and enjoy various outdoor activities.
While it has been raining for almost two straight weeks here in Boston, I still know that it is summer. In fact, I also know that there are 73 days until Labor Day, which in the States is often recognized as the end of summer.
So, if you have been waiting for summer and thinking about all that you want to do, what are you going to do in the next 73 days? Remember, saying, “I want to go hiking this summer or plant a garden” is not enough. What is your intention for the summer and, just as important, what is your plan for follow through?
Sometimes, you may want to do an activity, but the planning necessary seems daunting, so you procrastinate. You may even procrastinate long enough that it is no longer realistic to follow through.
Whenever a task feels overwhelming, it is likely that breaking it down into discrete steps, creating a timeline and assigning specific times to accomplish these smaller tasks will help.
Let’s look at the example of planning a camping trip. Before you say that you would never camp, rest assured that this example if for illustrative purposes only. You can really apply this strategy universally. I just find it easier for people to understand a strategy, if I use a concrete example.
As you read through the steps below, think about how you could modify this to use in making your own summer plans.
You may need to add steps if, for example, your trip will include a groups of people.
By scheduling the tasks in your calendar you can make sure that you actually have the time available. How many times have you said you would do something on a particular only to discover that it is not realistic because you already have a full plate on that day? Looking at your calendar in advance will, hopefully, help to prevent this.
1. Decide on potential dates. (Sunday morning over breakfast)
2. Decide on what you want to do while camping, what amenities you need in a campground and how far you want to travel (1 hour discussion with family on Tuesday night)
3. Research and create list of all campgrounds that meet your criteria. If you want, put them in order of preference. (Thursday after dinner)
4. In order of preference, try to reserve a campsite for date you want. (Saturday morning)
5. Take inventory of camping gear and make sure everything is in working order. Put up the tent in the backyard, if you are not sure it is ready. Check out the stove. Make list of what you need to get. (Sunday night)
6. Buy needed equipment at REI. (Tuesday after work)
7. Pack up (2 days before trip)
8. Buy food for trip (day before trip)
9. Other
What else do you do to make large tasks seem less daunting and overwhelming?