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Self-discipline is the point

A reader discusses discipline from a non-spanker's point of view.
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It's another new year, and you probably have a long list of all the things you want to accomplish. But can you hack it?
Article: Cathy Eden from Ideas
It's another new year, and you probably have a long list of all the things you want to accomplish over the next 12 months. Making lists gives you a feeling of order and control but the moment you have committed it all to paper you may also have a sneaking suspicion that you won't achieve half the goals you have set.

The secret to successful list making is to be realistic in your expectations of what you can reasonably accomplish, and to set yourself achievable tasks. Clearing items on a list gives you a sense of satisfaction and progress but if the list contains such an overwhelming number of items that it never seems to get any shorter, it will be counter-productive and leave you disheartened and discouraged.

If you are a list junkie who loves making lists but don't really like tackling the challenges, here's how to get organised this year:

  • Make a list of all the important areas of your life, such as health, education, family, career, social, creative and spiritual.

  • Under each heading, list all the things you would like to achieve in that area, and group them according to short, medium and long-term goals. You now have a master list of all the things you want to do. It is helpful to put it all in writing, but it is not constructive to try to deal with everything at once.

  • Make a selection of two or three items from each category and then put your master list away for a month or two. The idea is to focus on a few achievable tasks that will enhance a range of activities.

  • Experts tell us that if we have more than five things on a To Do list each day, we are doomed to disappointment. Worse, it's an indication that we aren't organised and are probably spending more time on making lists than on getting things done, so limit your list and be realistic about what you can do in a day.

  • Break down the long-term goals into manageable pieces and include one of these in your list of everyday chores, so that you can start making progress. For example, if one of your goals is to "learn to speak Spanish," it's enough to have "make enquiries about Spanish lessons" as an achievable item on your week's list, along with "de- worm the cat", "buy new jeans" and "bake birthday cake".

  • Lists are useful but should not be an end in themselves. Use them to focus your energy or record the thoughts you don't want to forget. Keep a small notebook next to your bed and make a list of all the things that are worrying you before you go to sleep. Off-loading your concerns on paper will ensure a more restful night.

    Have a happiness break

    Doing things you enjoyed doing as a child is an instant pick-me-up when you are feeling jaded. Find a friend who is willing to play along and try one of these:

  • Fly a kite
  • Build a LEGO house or a sandcastle
  • Re-read your favourite story book
  • Do a jigsaw puzzle or make a huge bowl of popcorn and watch a selection of classic cartoons.

    Image: Nadette Clare-Talbot/True Love


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