8 Things to Do Before Starting Anything
By Jason | May 8, 2008
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1. Define goals
What are you trying to accomplish? Want to get out of debt? Lost weight? Start a business? Clean the house? It’s very important to define your end goals before starting anything so you have something concrete to strive towards.
2. Define outcome
Not only should you define your goals, but decide what you would like the final product to look like. Otherwise, how will you know you succeeded? Want to be 10 pounds lighter? Want your finance spreadsheet to be clear of debt?
3. Decide how to track progress
Viewing progress can be a great motivator. You can list out your goals or track items in a spreadsheet. It can be online or in a notebook. Just pick one or several ways to track your progress and take a look at it and update it before and after spending time working toward your goal.
4. Educate yourself.
Do you know everything there is to know about what you want to start? Probably not, and learning as you go is a big part of the fun. But before you start, consider reading up on the topic just to get an idea for what you’re in for, or how to go about starting. For example, if you want to lose 10 pounds, read up on some diets and exercises.
5. Check for shortcuts
Don’t reinvent the wheel if there is no need. Check to see if what you’re doing has been done before. There may be an easy way to accomplish your goal that you may have never considered.
6. Talk to people
Talk to your friends, your significant other, business people, call your Mom; just talk to someone about your goals. They may have some advice that you can choose to ignore. They may just create a little bit of accountability that helps push you through. If you need help, your network of friends and family should be the first place you turn.
7. Plot out a To-Do list
What are the steps you need to take to accomplish your goal? Write them down! They may change a hundred times before you’ve accomplished what you have set out to, but it’s important to break everything up into smaller chunks. It will make the whole project seem less intimidating.
8. Set aside a block of time to get started
Time management is essential. Making sure you have the time required to do something will make it much easier than cramming it into your already busy life. Make an appointment with yourself to get started.
AND THEN START!
Did I leave out anything? Let me know in the comments.
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2 Responses to “8 Things to Do Before Starting Anything”
Comments
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May 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog.
Tim Ramsey
May 18th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I’m going to work on these 8 steps and start something myself…