How I did it: I looked at everything as an overwhelming project.  I get lazy, demotivated, angry and disappointed in myself.  Things kept piling up and it only felt worse. 

Making lists help. I break everything down into tiny tasks and eventually I feel like I've accomplished more by crossing off  things on my list once they are finished.

I also started applying the 15 minute rule.  I will choose a chore that I really dread doing.  I tell myself that I can tolerate this for 15 minutes out of my life.  I set the timer for 15 minutes.  I can stand anything for just 15 minutes and that is all I plan on working on it.  I find out that once I am started, I go over the 15 minutes and make a big dent in the project, or even finish it off.

I start it all over again.  When I get downtime, or feel guilty, I ask the question: What can I do for just 15 minutes? .

Lessons & tips: Look at everything in small pieces.  Use the swiss cheese method of attack.  Poke tiny holes in the project, over and over again, until it is finished.

---

Mar 05, 2010, 07:34PM PST | 4 comments | 11 cheers