We set goals and make “to do” lists with hopes for success. Unfortunately, when we set standards too high, we’re bound for disappointment. In order to excel, it seems that we should try harder and do more, but maybe the key is taking on less.
Personal Experience
During the college semester, my “to do” lists look something like:
- finish a 10 page research paper on rhetoric
- make and rehearse a Powerpoint on recycling e-books
- land a killer internship
- organize all binders
- schedule next semester’s classes
- attend an English Honor's Society meeting
- write tomorrow's to do list
But before the end of the day my professors assign more papers, so I run into "technical difficulties" with virtually every project, and I must take multiple snack and Instagram breaks. After repeated failures to complete my extensive to-do lists, I work myself into a panic, go on junk food sprees, scroll through social media for hours or hyperventilate instead of attempting to tackle my responsibilities.
A Common Problem
Each time we fail to accomplish what we plan, a feeling of incapability arises. Realizing it or not, we begin to expect ourselves to fail. Worse yet, the more worried and overwhelmed with the idea of failure we are, the harder it is to focus. Our schedules become cycles of biting off more than we can chew, unable to finish the mouthful we have leftovers added to our already full plates the next day.
What I Discovered
Luckily, a few relaxed days helped me break this cycle. Over the summer and on less hectic school days, my goals included things like, schedule an appointment, pick and practice three songs for Saturday’s performance, edit an essay and work a five-hour shift.
On less hectic days, I get it all done! Though they're small, knowing that I met one day’s goals feels amazing. Having a few simple days assures me that I am indeed capable of managing responsibilities.
It’s not always this easy; sometimes our obligations are challenging and overwhelming whether we’re great task managers or not. However, after experimenting with the way I plan, I found a few methods that make goal setting more manageable.
3 Step Attack Plan
First step, eliminate the ridiculous. If you know you have just shy of a one million projects due this week, don’t plan to clean out your room and car too. When your plate is full, just focus on the necessary tasks. Once your workload lightens, it’s okay to include tasks that aren't entirely necessary as long as they're reasonable. It would be fabulous to meet goals like, become a pro athlete, musician or author but with high standards like these, you’ll feel unaccomplished no matter how awesome and productive your day was. The best way to achieve goals is to set ones you know you can meet.
Second step, don't forget about your huge goals. Instead, break them down. If you really want to be famous, take steps each day like posting YouTube videos, training your body or submitting work to agencies. In a more practical situation, when you have a big project due, an upcoming performance or a specific body goal, “finish project,” “perfect routine” or “drop two pants sizes” sound quite intimidating. Instead of looking at the big pictures, divide them daily. Monday: conduct research, practice two songs and eat a salad. Tuesday: outline paper, review songs and walk with friends. By breaking bigger goals into smaller steps, you can finish what you need to without feeling overwhelmed.
Final step, write to-do lists and set goals when you don’t have much to do. Summer break is the perfect time to start. Setting goals like curling your hair, landing a new skate trick and meeting up with friends may sound silly, but completing these goals feels great. Finishing tasks that we plan for ourselves not only means we accomplished what we set out for, it's also a reminder that we deserve to do enjoyable activities. The more capable of meeting goals and worthy of looking or feeling fabulous we become, the more confidence we gain. With confidence, we can attack bigger and more challenging goals with a positive mindset. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, reward yourself for the little tasks, and decide which big ones to break down or put on the back burner. If you feel like you’re not doing enough, just remember, hey, at least you got dressed today!
