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So I was about to toss a bag when I realized it had something inside, a small chalkboard with “Prayer Requests” written across the top. I get a lot of prayer requests but I am forever forgetting them. I looked at that board and thought how serendipitously perfect!
I just needed to find a spot for the chalkboard. And as I walked from room to room, I had another revelation: I had to put the chalkboard in a place where I’d see it all the time. So I headed straight to the kitchen because the door to the garage is off my kitchen. My lovely screened porch and deck is there, too. And fine, I’ll admit it, I’m a grazer. So there sits my chalkboard on the kitchen counter and literally dozens of times a day, I pray for friends and family. No more forgetting all those requests!
It’s perfect!
And then one morning, shortly after New Year’s, I passed my chalkboard and thought what if I put my writing goals someplace where I’d see them all the time?
Because if you’re the goal-driven type like me, I’ll bet you write down a goal—or goals—in a journal or even a daily list. (I’ve done that.) Or you type ‘em up and print ‘em out and post the list near your desk. (Done that, too.) And still, I don’t accomplish my goals. Not because I’m incredibly lazy. (I am a bit lazy.) Or that I’ve gone overboard with the whole goal-listing. (Though I can sometimes have unrealistic expectations.) But mostly, because I just forget my goals. (Yeah, it’s embarrassing.)
So now, instead of writing up my daily To Do list and leaving it on my bedside table, I carry it around with me. It travels with me to my desk first thing in the morning. I’ll bring it downstairs and set it on the—where else?—kitchen counter. It may join me on the table next to my big comfy chair when I’m watching my favorite show. And finally, it will end up next to my bed, where I’ll happily see that I’ve almost always checked off all the goals!
It’s a writer breakthrough, y’all! We’re not lazy! We’re not unmotivated! We’re just forgetful!
So maybe you have just one major writing goal you’d like to accomplish this year. List it on a BANNER and put it somewhere you’ll see it multiple times a day. Sure, it might annoy you—but that nagging banner will get you working on actionable little goals to achieve the big goal. Or if you’re like me, an inveterate To Do lister, give the portable list a try.
It’s such a simple solution. Put your goals where you’ll see them all the time, then watch out! You’re going to accomplish more in 2017 than you ever imagined.
It’s perfect!
~Cathy C. Hall
Accomplishing Goals Since January 3, 2017
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