WHEN faced with a large, complex set of goals, we can easily become stuck in inaction. We take mental note of all the things we need to do and we understandably become overwhelmed to the point where we don’t know where to start.
Unknowingly, we subconsciously decide to stop even before we start.
This is why the process of getting unstuck is an important ability that we should all have. There are many different ways to get unstuck, but the most important and immediate one is to develop a daily goal.
To put it another way, when you have too much on your plate, you should seek to answer one question: “What must happen today for me to feel like this day was successful?”
This is a simple but very effective question because it condenses muddied situations that seem large, into very singular straightforward points of action. Even the most complex of strategic projects or endeavours have very simple components that can get them started.
On any given day you must, at the very least, have a clear idea of what must happen on this day for you to regard the day as successful and you must try do that as early in the day as possible.
These can and should be simple things such as making a phone call that has been on your mind to make, deep cleaning a room or having a specific conversation.
However, there are important characteristics that this single goal should have. Firstly, it should be something within your direct and immediate control to do and secondly, it should be very specific and have high impact. These seemingly small things have the ability to immediately classify your day and as successful, which causes a positive momentum and room for more.
