Feeling stuck? 3 simple steps to move forward

It's hard to believe it's been about 90 days since I started working from home.  I was super motivated.  I was going to finally get through that drag list (you know the list you have with all those things you've been meaning to do that irritate you and drag you down when you notice they're still not done).  For me, it's things like unpacking boxes in the garage or getting the new thermostat installed.  90 days ago - I thought all these things were going to get crossed off my list.

Are you familiar with Parkinson's law? How much time you have to do a task is how long it takes to do it.  Put another away - activities expand to take up the time you have.  This is why you've probably heard that if you want something done, give it to a busy person.  This is also why productivity drops instead of increases when you have more time on your hands.

Well, I've been a little less busy.  I've had more time at home.  And in the beginning, I focused on self-care. I got more sleep, began to run regularly, cooked homemade meals, and did some cleaning.  But as this has become my new normal, I have found myself feeling stuck.  Avoiding the small steps that I need to take to keep moving forward.  How about you? Are you feeling stuck? In your home life? Career?

Here are three things to jumpstart your productivity and begin moving forward.

1) Set a goal.  What do you want to accomplish in the next 90 days? Make it a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timebound).  Maybe focus on a 21-day goal or even a 7-day goal.  Or even simpler - what's the next step, the smallest thing, you can do today to move in the direction of your goal?

2) Determine how you are going to achieve your goal.  This includes breaking the goal down into manageable pieces that you can accomplish weekly or even daily.  Also, consider how you are monitor your progress.  Are you going to share your weekly progress with an accountability partner or coach?

3) Visualize success.  What are you going to do when you achieve that goal? Why does it matter? How will you celebrate?  This is an important part of the goal process.  Celebrating your success sends positive chemicals to your brain reinforcing that the action you have taken is good for you.  So celebrate your win in a meaningful way. Looking for some ideas on how you can celebrate your goal?  Get my download with 10 examples.