If you have ever read anything about habits, you’ve no doubt heard the claim that new habits can be created within a certain time frame; some will say 21-days or 28-days, while others claim having a 30, 60, or 90-day plan is what you need to truly change.
The reality is that it doesn’t matter exactly how long it takes, the time is going to pass anyway. Just get clear on what you want to do, learn what actions you need to take to get there, and then wake up every day and do something that gets you closer to the goal. That’s how you hit any goal you create.
The only way you won’t hit it is if you stop!
Habits are the keystone to success. Establishing good habits early on (or at any time!) in your career will help you stay on a path of success...and developing habits takes time.
When I work with entrepreneurs, I always encourage them to learn how to navigate their first 100 days of any goal. Not 21, not 28, not 90, but 100. 100 days of tried and true benchmarks for creating sustainable momentum in their business.
One way to really solidify habits is to take the guesswork out of it. By putting these things directly into your schedule, you wake up each morning and you know exactly what you’re going to do that day. There is no guessing, there is only direction.
It’s about being intentional.
My favorite way to make sure I am being intentional is by using to do lists. The problem people often make is that they make lists that are too long and unachievable.
Make a point of only putting your top ten things to do on the list. This will force you to prioritize the most important things for the day.
Here are three tips to make sure your “to-do list” serves you!
- Decide what needs to be done today (and what can be done tomorrow or next week). It’s easy to look at your full list and get overwhelmed. But chances are that not everything needs to be done right now. Always look at your list and ask yourself, “What do I need to do next?” Then, go do that thing.
- Does it get you closer to reaching your goals? If your list is full of things that are not moving you forward, it’s not a list that serves you. The way you reach any big goal is to break that big goal down into smaller tasks. Make sure that the tasks on your to do list are the same ones that help you reach the things you’re aiming for.
- Eliminate anything that doesn’t need to be done at all! Let’s make this simple...if it’s been on your list for a long time, and you have still not done it, it’s time to ditch it. Be honest with yourself. Give yourself permission to take things off the list that truly serve no purpose other than taking up space.
So what are you waiting for? Get Growing!
BTW - Page 4 of my new 2021 planner is a step by step roadmap to your first 100 days in direct sales. If that’s right up your alley, check it out!
XOXO!
Belinda