“Wasting time is robbing oneself.” – Estonian Proverb
“I want to have an abundance of money, and financial freedom.”
“I want to travel the world and have new experiences.”
“I want to be my own boss and create my own business.”
“I want to have more time to be with my family and loved ones.”
“I want to live in alignment with my true purpose and accomplish X, Y, Z.”
We all have wishes, goals and grander visions for what we want our lives to look like. The trouble is many of us spend a lot of time daydreaming and procrastinating rather than planning, creating, executing and learning.
So how do you create the urgency needed to change your life and actually accomplish those things you want so badly? Here are 5 suggestions:
1.) Maintain a “Last Day On Earth” Mentality
Time…we all think we have so much of it until one day we don’t. That’s why it’s so important we honor the time we DO have because it’s fleeting, non-renewable and comes with no guarantees.
A simple way to do this is by approaching every day as if it’s your last. And I don’t mean in a clichè sort of way because one day you will be right — it will be your last day.
So when you wake up in the morning and after you give thanks for your life and blessings, ask yourself this question:
“If today IS my last day one earth, would I still do what I’m doing now?”
If your answer is no, then it’s time to make some drastic changes in your life my friend. And those changes need to start right now because nothing else exists outside of this moment.
2.) Stop Hesitating, Just Dive In!
“Hesitation is the heart’s grave.”
Your life isn’t going to change until you stop procrastinating and start taking action.
If you spend your time waiting for inspiration to come you’ll be twiddling your thumbs, lost in a trance of unproductivity possibly forever…do you really want that?
I didn’t think so!
Free yourself, your potential and your dreams! Stop making excuses and just dive right in. Your efforts don’t have to be perfect (or even close) — the most important thing is that you just begin!
You see, here’s the thing — those goals of yours aren’t just going to magically manifest before your eyes. In order to bring them to life, you have to start the incubation (or “in utero”) period.
Whenever you find yourself hesitating to make a decision or act on something you know you really want to build in your life, repeat “just do it” over and over again. You’ll be amazed how these simple 3 words can transform your life, and turn your inaction into action.
3.) Plan Your Day
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
If you want to create urgency and get your life in order, you have to start by setting goals for yourself.
Set daily goals, weekly goals, monthly goals and yearly goals. Write them down. Make a big plan and then go granular.
For example, every 3 months I set a new 90-day goal. First I write down what my big, overarching goal is.
Then I create a week-by-week strategy using this template:
Once I finish filling out my weekly goals, I create a daily strategy for each week using this template:
All of your goals should put you one step closer to achieving your 90-day goal. And you can use the same strategy to achieve your yearly goals.
By consistently setting realistic, achievable goals broken down by day, week, month, quarter and year, you’ll be able to accomplish them and continue to progress towards the direction of your dreams.
4.) Make Public Commitments and Have An Accountability Partner
Have you ever set a personal goal for yourself, and then fell short of achieving it but brushed it off like it was no big deal because no one else knew about it?
I know I have. And this is why accountability is SO important. When you set a goal for yourself that you REALLY want to achieve, make a public commitment! Put it out into the universe and the world. Proudly announce what your goal is and the steps you’re going to take to achieve it.
Other people can help you stay on track, and committed to your goal(s).
Find a friend who you trust, and ask them if they’d be willing to jump on a scheduled weekly call with you to check in on your progress. If they’re busy pay them for their time or offer them something of value in exchange.
Another option is to hire a mindset coach (I have some availability for this — email me if you’re interested in learning more) who will push you outside of your comfort zone and keep you on track. This will be a costly investment, but remember this: you’re paying for a better quality of life, and a new mindset — you’re not paying for the person, you’re paying for how they can help you change.
5.) Work in 30 to 60 Minute Intervals
You know that saying “don’t work harder, work smarter?” Well, there’s a lot of truth to that statement, and you can benefit greatly by applying its principles to your goals, projects, and tasks.
Here’s how:
Rather than trying to work uninterrupted until your vision blurs or you can’t think anymore (this is the bain of inspiration, and not sustainable because you’ll quickly burn out), push yourself to work in 30 to 60-minute intervals, and then take a break. According to social science, this formula leads to increased productivity and awareness.
If you work for 30 minutes, take a 7 to 10-minute break. If you work for 60 minutes take a 15 to 20-minute break. Make sure you step away from your computer or project and take a walk, have a snack, meditate or do something else that has nothing to do with what you’re working on.
Use the stopwatch on your phone to time yourself when you begin each focused increment. This will create urgency and keep you hyper-aware of the ticking time.
Above all remember, this moment right NOW matters. This is the only real moment you have. So choose a different path now, and start implementing these 5 suggestions today! You’ll be amazed at how quickly your life will begin to change for the better. The question is, are you ready to stop hesitating and start doing?
Xx,
Antasha
P.s. if you need an extra push to get your life in order subscribe below and use the free 7-day mindset coaching journal I created to help you live your best life!
About Antasha Durbin: Antasha is a spiritual writer, life-long student of the universe, and psychic tarot card reader. Her website, cajspirituality.com, is dedicated to casualizing the spiritual experience and making it attainable for anyone, anywhere, anytime. Follow her for free, easy-to-digest and highly actionable advice on spirituality, mindfulness and empowered living.
Isn't it time you started living the life you've always imagined?
Very good advice here. Thank you. 🙂
So happy you enjoyed! Big love to you, Xx!
Guilty! Thank you for this