Motivate and inspire.
OVERVIEW
Looking at a complex task can be daunting. If we put off the task and procrastinate, we can generate negative or unhelpful thoughts about our own abilities.
But taking on a new task or challenge can also be invigorating and exciting. A lot of people enjoy being creative and a new task with a blank sheet of paper can often give us the freedom to explore our ideas.
THE WHY
A great way of approaching a new task is to set yourself some goals. Break the task down into smaller segments and make sure you have the time and resources to achieve each goal and that you have the discipline to approach each goal in order of priority – not just what is easiest or most attractive! In fact, some people believe you should take on the most unpleasant task first and get it over with in order to ensure you can’t keep putting it off…but whatever works best for you.
Goal setting doesn't just help ensure you have an organised and ordered approach, it can also be energising. The process of goal setting forces you to visualise your end-state and your progress towards it; helping you to build excitement about reaching each milestone.
Look around the Peak State resources for other tools that will complement Goal Setting; try Visualisation, the 15 Minute Rule or Positive Self Talk.
Exercise
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CHECK: Check in with yourself.
How are you feeling about the task ahead? Excited, nervous, keen to get started?
What thoughts are going through your head? Do you believe you can do this or are you wondering if you’ve taken on too much? Do you have negative thoughts about your potential performance?
Or perhaps your drive system has kicked in: you’re feeling really eager and just want to get started without taking time to formulate a plan?
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CHALLENGE: Are your thoughts and feelings helpful? Can you visualise how you might complete the task? Do you need to pause for a moment and break down the task into smaller goals?
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CHANGE: Defining your goals in a clear and specific way has been shown to have a positive effect on performance. Visualise what overall success looks like then try to map out what goals need to be achieved to reach it. Write down each of these goals and check them against the framework provided below.
LISTEN TO THE TOOL