Making it STIC!

Conquer Procrastination Now (Not Later).

I confess that I’ve had a long-running love affair with “to-do” lists. I probably created my first list in elementary school – most likely in pink or orange crayon.

Most people believe they’re either a “list person” or not. The non-listers are often unimpressed with the static nature of a list, or they see it as another demand on their busy schedule. In the years since I wrote my first list, I’ve become more and more aware of that static nature the non-listers complain about. When we’re trying to reach a goal, the first task we take on is to break the goal up into manageable tasks and make a list to complete the tasks. So far that sounds pretty reasonable.

But…. Somewhere along the way there is a breakdown between the list of tasks needed to complete the goal, and actually reaching the goal itself. The to-do list sits there with its boxes unchecked, or its tasks still not crossed off. This is a problem if your goal is going to be reached, or if you’re struggling with procrastination.

Now, some of us have elevated our list-making by jumping into calendar applications on the computer, or using our Blackberry or iPhones to track our progress. So, how many of you have upgraded your list-making technology, but are still not hitting those goals? The problem is not in the technology, or even in your desire to complete the tasks. The disconnect between writing things down and getting them done lies somewhere in your list.

Though my lists have evolved from the crayon days, and into the technology days, I wanted to create a more dynamic approach to reaching goals through list-making. One day when looking at tasks I had meant to complete that were being moved from one day’s list to the next (undone), I began thinking about how to stop my procrastination now. The things I had to do, even if they were attached in my mind to an important goal, had little personal connection for me as written, and had zero motivational value attached to them.

I looked at the first item on my list that day: “Make appointment to get car serviced.” Not exactly a dynamic task, nor did it seem to have any relevance to an obvious goal. I thought about the rewards and consequences of the task, and re-framed the task. By doing that, I suddenly saw the interconnectedness of the task, to a larger goal. That realization led me to create a different kind of to-do list. I created a simple new form for my list, and tried it out for two weeks. The difference was measurable — I found myself getting more done, and reaching goals that had sat stagnant for too long.

I created a STIC-list for my own use. What is STIC? “So That I Can…”

For every item I want to complete, I write a simple benefit to completing that task. Let’s take the easy task (and easier to put off) of scheduling service for my car. What would that look like on my new to-do list?

Make appointment to get car serviced STIC (so that I can) stop worrying when I have to drive home late at night that I’ll get stranded.

Guess what? I made that call right away. How about a few more to get you started?

Make 5 cold calls today STIC bring in new clients and increase my revenue.

Keep appointment with personal trainer STIC feel confident on our trip to Hawaii.

What are a few things on your list today that would benefit from getting on the STIC-list?

The secret to STIC is to attach a simple and meaningful result to the seemingly mundane task at hand. Every little task we do is related to a bigger and more important goal or outcome. The choices we make every day impact everything in our lives, and that includes choosing to tackle or ignore even simple tasks. Using a STIC-list and attaching a benefit to the things we need to accomplish, allows us to stay in “big picture” thinking, and create the life we really want.

Guest Blogger: Diana Hathaway-Timmons
email: Diana@KeepYourZen.com
website: KeepYourZen.com
253.514.8892

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