Hour of Power

At the gym that I belong to, our training sessions are usually divided into different parts: warm up, structural, strength and cardio.  This is to ensure that we development our bodies in a certain way.  Since, my body is used to operating this way, I decided to attack my to-do list in the same manner.  I break up my tasks into 1 hour chunks as follows: preparation, vision, structure and action.  Depending on the task or action steps required, the preparation, vision and structure phases can be shorter or longer.

Preparation involves getting ready for the task.  This is similar to the warm up before you exercise.  At the gym, we start with light jogging.  When working, it could mean getting settled at your computer and ready to start, turning off distractions like your cellphone, social media, gathering the equipment you will need, etc.

Next is vision.  I remind myself of my goals.  How will this task bring me closer to my vision for what I want for my life?  If it’s work for a file for one of my patients, I connect with my desire to help people.  One of the key phrases that gets me focused is: everyone you take care of makes a difference in the world.  This allows me to see the big picture.

Keep your end goal for what you want to create for your life in the foreground of your mind.  You want to do things that will move you towards your goals.  This can take just a few seconds if you know your goals.

Structure.  Figure out the order of action steps you need to take to complete your task.  Break it down so that you can complete a part of it during your hour.  If your task is to write a book.  You will not complete it in an hour.  Figure out how many pages you can get through.

Now it’s time to do.  Do your task.  Take action.  

After 60 mins, take a break.  Give yourself a pat on the back and celebrate.  You are one step closer to your goals.  If you’ve been in front of your computer for the past hour, move and stretch.

Got more time?  Repeat the process agian.

For more information on goal setting, come to our complimentary advanced workshops.