I have many more passages to write regarding motivation and distraction. Oddly enough, I realize that researching such matters only prolongs starting the commitment process which allows me to live life on purpose. I once asked a performance specialist “what causes procrastination?” He responded, “Procrastination occurs because the goal or activity is not urgent or remains abstract.” We proceeded to discuss the matter and again, imagery entered the discussion. The key is defining a goal clearly and imagining success. You can read about his goal setting technique in his book Focused for Golf.
The best workbook for goal setting I've discovered is The Power of Focus. In this book, Canfield describes goal setting. His definition of goal setting requires almost absolute commitment: “A goal is the ongoing pursuit of a worthy objective until accomplished”. I can't do this book justice in a few short words, however this phrase is quite ingenious. It means that a substantial reward awaits at the end of a journey -- this journey takes time and the quest does not abate, despite obstacles.
I set a number of goals, using Canfield's method in early 2007. Progress toward these goals was almost immediate, followed by months of dedication to achieve them. I committed to these goals to overcome an unjustified performance poor performance review. Over time, the value of the endeavor waned. After three re-planning the project three times, I negotiated an end to the project, which would only take 1-2 weeks to complete. However, decided to focus on the hitting a high priority deadline instead. After a vacation, a disagreement with my sponsor and other distractions, the project has stalled. In retrospect, I recognize the project does not have value to my management, although completing it would give me get me 1/2 way to my goal. So why haven't I completed the task? I don't know.
I have decided to dedicate tomorrow morning to writing a plan to complete this project. I will find a comfortable, quiet spot and commit to a plan before tomorrow noon.
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The best laid plans... I did set aside the time, which helped a lot. However, the my most urgent project consumed the time. A huge amount of my productive time is being drained by trying to replace our homeowners association board. I committed to completing a document for the lawyer, which I assumed would take 10 mins, instead it took 90 mins.
See: http://woodlandgreenlife.blogspot.com for details.
My principles require servicing this problem because it is not being addressed effectively. I need a plan to remove this distraction. My wife and I will devise a plan by the end of the week.
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