We set our goals. We have daily goals, weekly goals, quarterly goals, yearly goals.
We help our clients work on their goals.
Often at the end of the day, or reviewing the week, or checking in with our clients, the first thing we or our clients talk about is what we didn’t accomplish.
And, yes, we will want to regroup and work on what didn’t happen but first let’s look at what we did accomplish.
Often at the beginning of a session when working with clients on projects, you hear comments like, “I didn’t get much accomplished.” or “Don’t get mad at me but I didn’t complete my homework.”
That’s when I always stop the client and ask, “What did you do? What are your wins? What new insights do you have?”
This completely changes the mood and the vibration of the session. As we focus on the positive, conversation becomes easier and lighter. That’s when we can appreciate that it was more important to take a half day to celebrate a birthday of a friend than to clean a pantry. That’s when we can acknowledge that after several days at work that were beyond normal it’s more important to just stop in the evening and rest rather than sort papers.
This is also the time to acknowledge that despite all that happened since the last session, one shelf of the pantry did get organized and that recycled items did get out of the house.
I’m all for setting goals that cause us to reach a bit. And I love the accountability of having scheduled meetings or sessions where we do share what we have accomplished. But life happens. Things don’t always go according to plan and that’s when we have to be flexible and realistic. Doing something different from what was on your to do list can be a real win and not a fail.
In March 2008 I started a Goals Group. We have been meeting monthly since then. I started this group after reading Marci Shimoff’s book Happy for No Reason: seven Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out. Each person in the group shares their wins from the past month. Then we go around again, and each person shares what they want to accomplish in the upcoming month. The guidelines are to listen without interruptions, avoid any victim behavior (blame, shame, complain), offer suggestions only when asked, and keep everything that is shared confidential. If there were items on our goal list from last month that did not get done, we either ignore that during this meeting or remake it a goal for the coming month.
For myself, I keep a list of all my wins and goals. It is great to review that list and see when I was working on my books, presentations, maintaining my home, getting married. I had goals relating to my personal life as well as my business. I also have notes about the help I received from other members in the group. It’s great to remember that I have accomplished so much in those years. We tend to forget. Cue in Beyonce’s song, “I Was Here.”
So, at the end of the day or week, do look over the list of things you planned on accomplishing. If important tasks did not get done, reschedule them. But then have a list of all the things you did accomplish. Celebrate those things!
By celebrating all our small wins, we appreciate our journey toward the larger goals. This keeps us motivated. It encourages us to keep going. It helps us keep a positive mindset.
Give yourself that pat on the back and reward yourself for all that you have done!
If you want help clarifying your goals or just some accountability with your projects or managing your time join Diane Quintana and me on our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.