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Example 2: I will become more efficient at work by a) taking on less work, b) avoiding interruptions, and c) spending my time on high priority projects.
Much more effective: I will become more efficient at work by a) meeting with my boss each week to discuss what is high priority and what can be delegated, b) designating a daily block of time when my door will be closed and I won't answer
phone, and c) choosing one high priority task for each of those blocks of time.
Step 7. Identify not only what you will do, but WHEN you will do it. This step, more than any other, may make
difference between good intentions and actual results. It is essential to designate time for
actions you will take, or they simply won't happen. To be realistic, this means that you will have to eliminate or reduce
time that you were formerly spending on something else. If you try to stuff a new goal into your current routine, you're likely to achieve only greater levels of stress and frustration.
NOTE: If you can't realistically fit your intentions into your daily life, go back to steps 1 and 6 and reduce
number of goals and/or actions. Far better to choose fewer steps and get them done, than to dream over a longer wish list.
Step 8. Create visual reminders and tracking systems for each action step, and put them where you cannot help but see them. (Otherwise... out of sight, out of mind.)
In other words, don't just decide to walk 6 times a week – put an exercise calendar on your refrigerator and write down when you walk. Similarly, don't just decide to meet regularly with your boss – schedule
meetings for every Monday on your calendar and use them to make a list of high-priority tasks that you post by your phone.
Step 9. Create allies and a support structure.
If you keep your goals to yourself, it's much easier to let them slide. But if you let a few friends or coworkers know about them, your resolve will automatically be higher and you may create helpful allies – coworkers who are less likely to interrupt when your door is shut, or friends who will offer words of encouragement.
An even stronger step is to ask someone with a similar goal to partner with you, or arrange to check in with a friend, family member, or coach on a regular basis. You can even hire one of your kids to help track your efforts – they will welcome
opportunity to remind you of what you are supposed to be doing!
Step 10. Reward yourself by finding ways to celebrate
benefits of what you achieve.
To truly make your goal a work-in-progress, instead of some distant possibility, reap
benefits as you go along. Have you made progress toward your target weight? Consider buying a new outfit that feels comfortable and attractive, or joining that health club you were too self-conscious to go into last year. Have you met an important deadline on time without taking work home? Reward yourself by spending an evening doing something special with people you care about.
Copyright © 2004 by Ruth Anderson

Ruth Anderson is a personal and professional coach, owner of VANTAGE POINT Coaching & Consulting, and creator of the unique "Introduction to Coaching" and "Job Search Tune-Up" programs. Visit her at http://www.vantagepointcoaching.com or write to ruth@vantagepointcoaching.com for more information.