Remember when the stay at home orders began? None of us knew how long it would last, but we all wanted to make the most of the experience. And thus started our quest to complete the things we’ve put off! We hit the ground running by learning a new language, finishing that book we’ve been wanting to write, mastering all of Julia Child’s recipes and so on.
Gradually the splendor of binge watching disappeared, changing out of your sweatpants took effort, the newness of connecting with friends and family from the shoulders up subsided and frankly you are considering moving your elementary student’s graduation up to this afternoon.
Yes quarantine fatigue has set in and procrastination is a by-product. So how does one overcome the postponement of getting things done?
First let’s start with the end. Think back to your original goal. What did you want to accomplish and how did you plan to make it happen? Write it down and post it on your bathroom mirror or kitchen fridge.
Next turn off the negative self-talk. No good comes to you when you attack yourself, period. A trick I use is putting a rubber band on my wrist and every time I say something demeaning about myself I snap the bracelet. Give it a try for a week and note the changes.
Promise yourself a reward. Unfortunately our reward options are limited right now (oh how I long for a pedicure!), but come up with something tangible that you’ve been wanting and place it in your virtual shopping cart.
Set a deadline. Yes I know it was yesterday, but (thankfully?) we all have some extra time on our hands. Figure out a date that you can reasonably accomplish your project and post it next to the goal on your bathroom mirror and fridge.
Seek accountability. Someone to hold your hand, stand by your side, lift you uh…oh wait that social distancing thing. Even though you tell your kids not to listen to peer pressure, that advice does not apply to you. Letting someone in on your goal is very effective, accountability is key.
Take on the project in achievable, daily tasks. You know how we overlook those smaller squares on chocolate bars and instead just indulge entirely? Well once upon a diet, I was only allowed the small square and over time the entire bar was consumed. Your goal is the chocolate bar and you are on a diet. Try 15 minutes a day for the next week.
Hire some help. Some goals may require an extra boost or added expertise. Hiring someone to help you achieve your goals isn’t failing or putting the work on someone else. Rather, you are gaining knowledge and learning different way to approach the task. There are countless small businesses out there who can make your dreams a reality. Now more than ever these businesses need your help, so evaluate your goals, figure out what you need to make it happen and contact that company who best fits your needs.
It may take some time for life to get back to some semblance of normal, but just because our reality has been altered, doesn’t mean we cannot still achieve our goals, finish our projects and complete the tasks at hand. Zestful Design and all small businesses are here to help you make your dreams a reality! Contact us today for a free consultation and check out our virtual consulting specials.
