GON Reader
Question
How can I stay accountable and on task when I live alone?
Maria, I am VERY MUCH enjoying your newsletter! I just need to start to implement the fabulous ideas you so generously share!
My problem is complacency and lack of motivation. I have ADD and live
alone, so there is no one here to be accountable to or keep me on task. Thoughts?
Thank you again for ALL you do!
Warmest regards,
-- Donna Wheaton
Maria's Response
Hi Donna,
Thank you so much for your note. So glad you're enjoying my newsletter.
I wanted to address your comments and questions and see if I can spark a bit of motivation for you to begin.
1. Make a Top 10 list of tiny tasks. I offer lots of ideas for various situations and your head is probably spinning trying to figure out where to start.
Make a Top 10 list of possibilities, send them to me, and I'll help you choose one. They should be tiny tasks.
In reality, it doesn't matter where you start, but rather that you start. Still, sometimes it's easier if someone else helps you decide on a focus.
2. Find a cheerleader. You may live alone, but I bet you have a relative, a church friend, a neighbor, even a social media friend who would be more than willing to tap you on the shoulder, so to speak, and ask how you're doing with your chosen task.
Just ask them to ask you once a day until that task is done. Most folks end up just doing the task because they want to be able to say to their cheerleader, "Hey, guess what? I did it! Thank you for asking and believing in me!"
3. Tip for ADD. You mentioned you have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). For anyone who has trouble staying on task due to lack of focus, one of the biggest issues is that the tasks they are setting are not really tasks...but complicated projects.
The smaller and less time-consuming you make your tasks, the better the chances you're going to get them done.
Here are examples of easy tasks you CAN complete, even if you lack focus and attention:
Call to make a hair appointment
Fold the socks in your drawer
Add one pair of shoes to your donation box
Hang up your jacket
Even a task like "vacuum" can be further broken
down:
vacuum the master bedroom
vacuum the rug in the foyer
vacuum
the pet hair off of the ottoman
You get the idea. Set a 5-minute timer for any of these tasks, and I can practically guarantee you're going to get it done.
Hope this helps a bit.
