Is that the time already?

Is that the time already?

Does it feel like the year is nearly over? Is it too late to start a new project this year so you might as well wait until January?
It is common to feel like this now because we've passed the half way mark. But wait! There are another 5 whole months during which you could achieve a huge amount.

Look back at your goals from the start of the year. How many have you achieved? Has this year lived up to expectations? If tomorrow was December 31st how would you feel about the year 2002?

Ask yourself this question: "For me to feel this year had been my best yet, what would I need to achieve?"

How do I do this?
1. Make a list of everything you'd like to do this year, even if it seems impossible.
2. "Backwards plan" - ask yourself, "If I need to have completed this goal by Dec 31st 2002, where do I need to be in November/October/ September/end of August? So what do I need to start doing now?"
3. Get support from friends, colleagues or family.
4. Start taking action now!

If you are still unsure, picture yourself at the end of the year having completed these projects.
How will you feel? How will you feel if you don't complete them?

Motivation Tip - No More Wriggle Room
When I ask clients how they are going to hold themselves to a goal they've set they are often unsure. Relying on willpower alone might work in the short term but the effect will rub off very soon.

One of the most effective ways to motivate yourself is to ask someone else (preferably someone whose opinion matters to you) to hold you to your goal. When you are feeling really fired up and excited about your goal tell this other person about it and ask them to hold you to your commitment. Later on when your willpower has waned, your desire not to go down in the other person's estimation may be more motivating than the goal itself. In other words, you've left yourself no room to wriggle out of your commitment.