Busy people running around.
Who’s not busy these days? We know it’s hard to make time even for important things. Whether it’s budgeting or exercise or any other important activity you need to do, here are some tips for helping make those things happen.
BOOST YOUR MOTIVATION
1. Focus on the WHY.
Determine the benefits of doing the activity—WHY you’ll do it—and focus on those benefits. When the REASON to do something is big enough, you’ll find that you can muster the willingness to make time.
2. Listen to people who encourage, not those who discourage.
Seek out people who are already doing what you want to do and follow their example. Don’t listen to nay-sayers who won’t ever accomplish half the stuff you want to accomplish in life.
3. Reward yourself when it’s done.
For example, you can have your month’s personal spending money after the budget is complete or go out on a coffee date after the cash envelopes are filled.
SET YOUR PRIORITIES
4. Acknowledge your ability to make it happen.
You choose what you do with your time. Recognize that making time to do this activity is a choice and a decision.
5. Prioritize it above other less important activities.
More than likely, you won’t have to choose between this activity and other fun stuff. You’ll probably make time for the fun stuff after you get the more important things done.
MAKE FOLLOW-THROUGH EASIER
6. Set up some accountability with another person.
Choose someone who cares enough about you to be interested in what’s beneficial for you and arrange some form of accountability with him or her. For example, a weekly email, daily phone call or a set time to do the activity together can be very helpful in getting it done.
7. Remove barriers to getting it done.
Notice things that have held you back from getting this important thing done. For example, if you forget to do it, set an alarm to remind you. If you can’t find the receipts to do your tracking, start putting all your receipts in one place. If the kids always interrupt, do it after they are in bed.
