Unless You’re a Ship, It’s Good to List
by Stephanie Nickel, CES Editor, Writer, Coach, and Critique Specialist
You’re good stuff. You proved it by continuing to read after seeing the title. (grin)
I’m all about list-making. In fact, I have a procrastination list – an actual written list. How about you? Have you ever thought about making a procrastination list?
Let’s give it a try.
1. What have you been putting off? Make a list.
2. For each item, list why you’ve been putting it off. Be honest with yourself. Is it really because you are genuinely too busy or is it something else?
3. Before prioritizing the list, I challenge you to eliminate at least one item that you know you won’t get around to for over a year and another that you really don’t have to do. Cross off more items if you can.
4. Prioritize the remaining items.
5. Choose one or two items and set firm deadlines. Keep in mind the SMART model developed by Dr. George Doran. Goals ought to be “specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.”
6. Like the shampoo bottle says, “Rinse and repeat.” Go through the exercise one more time with writing-related goals in mind. If you would benefit from checking in with other writers, you might want to consider joining me for Round 4 of A Round of Words in 80 Days.
If you’re like me, crossing one thing off your Procrastination List will feel as good as crossing ten off your regular To Do list. And as always, we’d love to hear from you. All the best on your journey – writing and otherwise.
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