A step a day... even if its a small one

Your goals and ambitions should be aligned to your job, hmm.. most likely.
But, when you step-in to your office there are 20 tasks planned for the day and almost all of them are not contributing to your goals. This happens for many of them in my observation and can be different for others.

Prioritize at least one task that takes you closer to your goal. Here are some thoughts on that note.

Have sticky notes, objects or references that constantly remind you of your goals:

• Have note on your mirror or places you frequently look at.
• Have that poster of your idol on your desk. (Eg: Sports star)
  This could be a big motivating factor.
• A miniature toy of the winning cup.
• Motivational articles on your cupboard or desk tops.

Break down bigger tasks to smaller ones and use to-do apps to track them every day.

• Always have tasks with shorter milestones. Smaller tasks completed would give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate to pick up more tasks.
• You can find some interesting to-do apps on theguardian and forbes.

Be creative on how you use your time effectively.

• Eg: Take print outs of articles that you wish to read/research and read them anywhere when you are waiting for your bus.
• Randy Pausch mentioned in his book that he would always use bluetooth, hands free or speaker while attending phone calls so that his hands are free to do something important.

Ignore the 'Not so important' ones

• Be sensitive in identifying the tasks that are not so important.
• Examine the consequence of not getting the task done and see if matters.
• Tasks that you cannot complete and not point pursuing.

And finally do not multi-task with too many things at once but learn to focus on one task and mind another one in parallel. Your mind adapts to that when you practice.

Feel proud of every small step you take everyday an be aware that you are progressing and getting closer to achieving your goal.