When you need to get something done... plan a vacation

When you need to get something done…plan a vacation.

How is it that we can get so much done the day before we leave on vacation? Am I alone? We still have the same amount of time in a day, yet the intention increases, the reward is great and somehow it all gets done before heading to the airport or packing the car for a road trip adventure. Interestingly enough, if things don’t get done, it matters less than it did the day before.

If this is you, I have an idea. If you don’t relate, you may want to read on so you understand those that do this in your life a bit better. 

Who, like me, finds a range of projects and tasks that need to be completed before leaving.  This is when procrastination is set aside and the throttle of productivity roars. Excuses are gone and mindset shifts to the positive.Time is limited. Just the essentials seem to be in the spotlight for the finish line.

On another day, there may be self-doubt or frustration with a project. You may be uninspired or get bogged down with details and unnecessary tasks. On days without a reward on the calendar, you may take extra time to get caught up with a co-worker or remote workers may become delayed by paperwork or household chores. 

One of the first lessons as your coach, it’s time to become aware. Awareness is the key to know how you behave in certain situations so you can understand the behavior rather than resist or get frustrated by it. Pay attention or reflect on how you respond when you have a looming project you’re resisting. Do your actions change when you have a fun get away planned. Do you get more productive and inspired?

If productivity elevates the day before vacation, why not simulate the anticipation?  I love to gamify my goals. If I don’t have a vaca planned, but have a goal I seem to be procrastinating. Why not offer yourself your own carrot or incentive.  When I get specific tasks accomplished I can reward myself in some way. 

How would you respond if at least once a month you acted as if? You act as if you’re going on vacation or maybe you have something fun planned for the weekend and tell yourself you don’t get to do it unless you get your project done. Will you choose to focus and get the work done?

I’m going to pretend I’m going on a great vacation so this blog gets posted. My next task will be to get my videos done for my new do it yourself digital vision board tool kit. 

Hint, Another effective technique to finishing a goal is to announce what you commit to publicly. Watch how quickly it gets checked off your list.