Spiral Dragonfly Coaching
Mary's Magical Musings
Motivation and Accountability
6/16/2009
Accountability and motivation walk hand in hand in my life. It isn’t a nice leisurely stroll. Most of the time accountability is dragging motivation kicking and screaming down the path.
Procrastination is my normal mode of existence. I very seldom accomplish anything without a deadline; usually an externally imposed deadline. This is not a good thing for someone who is self employed.
Sometimes my deadlines are too far out on my calendar and the tasks fall off of my radar before being accomplished. Another challenge: the task is too complex or large and I become overwhelmed. Also, I might not be clear on what I am trying to accomplish. It is very difficult to accomplish anything that is unclear. Luckily, I have learned a few coping mechanisms to tackle these issues.
Writing the tasks down and/or scheduling them on my calendar supports me in following through on my commitments. Another technique is to share my tasks with those around me asking them to hold me accountable. Sometimes all it takes is making the commitment to others; such as promising this newsletter to my readers on certain dates. When the task is murky, I can work with a coach to achieve clarity.
Speaking the commitments out loud or writing them down makes the tasks more real and less likely to be blown off. If I have said “maybe I will try” or “I plan to”, in my head rather than out loud it is very likely to stay incomplete. Making sure the task is clear and broken down into accomplishable size is the best way to ensure completion.
One of the main components in Coaching is accountability. Each session in the Dream Coach® workbook has a WOW (within one week) section in the assessment. This encourages my clients to practice breaking tasks down into accomplishable sizes. It starts them thinking about what they can get done between appointments. The WOW also keeps the task forefront in their thoughts and plans because it is a very short time frame. The task is also written in the workbook making it concrete.
Are you struggling with procrastination? Would you like a coach to hold you accountable? As we work our way through the Dream Coach® workbook, you will have the opportunity to get clarity on your dream. Once you know where you are headed it makes it much easier to design the month long projects of action steps to move forward on that dream.
If you have struggled with procrastination, I would love to hear any techniques you have found work for you. Please send them to me at mary@spiraldragonfly.com.
Website design and art created by Ardent Photography, LLC copyright 2008