Under-whelmed, Over-Stimulated and Unfulfilled are the words that come to mind when I think about my life before truly building a relationship with myself, my world and my vision. I quickly saw my need to feel accomplished and sought ways to live in appreciation for those accomplishments every day.
If you are anything like me, you may have looked at your lists or lack of lists as options without direction. Motivation wavering. Piling up. Overwhelmed at the options, underwhelmed at the lack of priority… ‘what is the point’, or ‘where do I start’. I, too, found that the way I was approaching my lists was actually hindering any or all progress.
This is real, friend. But seemingly effortless gain is within your grasps, so that every single day feels less like pulling teeth and more like our efforts are truly being rewarded.
Lists are Science
Accomplishment is most definitely a human need. The tangibility of accomplishment can go as deep as you need it to. Heck, there are entire studies done on how checking something off your list activates positive hormones… so yeah, science! And accomplishment brings about a natural sense of gratitude. As a chronic list maker, for these findings, I am grateful!
There are 3 lists I recommend that will not only give you those warm fuzzies. They will give you results in all areas.
- Your list of Daily Non-Negotiables. These are the small, minute things that move the needle seemingly effortlessly.
- Your 2-minute tackles. These just as simple and will not be the same from day to day.
- Your 35k list. I have a whole post on this here. But this list are the bigger tasks that need to get done. Prioritized as if your life depends on these 6 things.
- Pro-tip: these are all front and center on the ISO Prosperity Planner!
Keeping your eye on the ball
When we check things off we get a big positive hit internally. So the things that don’t get done don’t feel as big or as judged. The key is to keep sliding them forward as others get accomplished. Yes, some will fall off because they were unimportant to begin with or become uninspired. That’s ok, progress is really only measured when we die. And even then, no one goes back to your list and judges you. Remember, the work will always be there. Your vision is what God gave your heart and hands. You got this, friend.
Setting Daily Non-Negotiables
When looking at your goals, stepping stones, action steps, and vision, a common theme tends to emerge. Your general motivators or needle movers begin to identify themselves. These are the activities that consistently move you closer to your vision. Identifying and focusing on these small, aligned actions can keep you motivated and in flow with the daily rhythm of your life. AKA The feeling that you are living that dream every single day. No more waiting or wondering.
The Power of Small, Aligned Actions
Setting daily non-negotiables means committing to a few key activities that support your overall vision and well-being. These actions should be manageable and realistic, ensuring that you can incorporate them into your routine. Limit this daily list of non-negotiables to about six things—six doable tasks that can all be accomplished within an hour if needed.
Because they are aligned there isn’t much need for this list to require creativity or elevated inspiration levels. These standing actions along with a short list of quick tasks help you to make room for the bigger things. Yet, ALL of these move the needle and leave you with that feeling of accomplishment.
Your Daily Non-Negotiables
Consider a list like this:
- 60 oz water (health and clarity)
- 5 conversations (relationships, business or personal)
- 4 invitations (growth, offering)
- 3 cards in the mail (words of love, gratitude and appreciation)
- 2 hours of personal development
- 1 hour of exercise
Embracing Grace and Self-Motivation
This list of suggested daily non-negotiables encompasses various aspects of life, not just one area. This organic approach ensures that you are nurturing different aspects of your organic-ness, from health and relationships to personal growth and contribution. Maybe even consider writing affirmations or I AMs to go with each!? Layering motivation and resilience.
- Health and Clarity: Drinking 60 oz of water supports physical health and mental clarity. It’s a simple yet powerful action that helps support your body’s organic-ness.
- Relationships: Engaging in five meaningful conversations daily helps build and strengthen relationships. Helping you to also layer resilience. This action nurtures your need for social connections and fosters a sense of community and support.
- Growth and Offering: Making four invitations a day, whether for collaborations, opportunities, or social events, promotes growth and extends your reach or influence. This proactive approach helps you expand your network and pocketbook.
- Words of Love and Appreciation: Sending three cards in the mail spreads kindness and gratitude. This practice not only brightens someone else’s day but also cultivates a positive mindset in you.
- Personal Development: Dedicating two hours to personal development ensures you are continually learning and evolving. This investment in yourself pays dividends in the form of increased knowledge, skills, and confidence. You do have time for this, friend.
- Exercise: Committing to one hour of exercise daily boosts physical health and mental well-being. It’s a vital practice that enhances energy levels, reduces stress, and improves overall quality of life.
The Importance of Non-Judgment and Presence
Put this list in front of you. See them, do them. Don’t judge or rate yourself based on your performance. Just be. Embrace the understanding that even if you only accomplish one or a couple of these tasks, you have still moved the needle forward. The slate is cleared and ready for the next day and opportunity. The cumulative effect of these small, consistent actions can lead to significant progress over time. Can anyone say ‘effortless gain’?!
Grace in Action
Understanding grace means recognizing that perfection is not the goal. It’s about progress and showing up for yourself each day. By focusing on these small, aligned actions, you create a sense of self-motivation that is driven by purpose rather than pressure. This approach fosters an organic, sustainable pace, allowing you to maintain momentum without burning out. You are the theme, friend, you get to decide what is important.
Self-Motivation Through Consistency
Consistency in these small actions builds a foundation of self-motivation. Each completed task serves as a reminder of your commitment to your vision and your ability to make progress. This sense of accomplishment, no matter how small, reinforces positive habits and encourages continued effort. Again, seemingly effortless gains!
Aligned, Organic Growth
Setting daily non-negotiables that encompass your whole life ensures that you are growing in a balanced and aligned way, reflecting harmony not chaos. By taking care of different aspects of your well-being, you create an overlapping, harmonious and fulfilling life. This organic approach not only supports your goals but also enhances your overall quality of life and relationship.
Your 2-Minute Tackles
This excerpt is short and sweet because your 2-Minute Tackle list is short and sweet. This came from an online efficiency challenge I did probably 5+ years ago. The basic concept is this. Keeping a list of things you can do in 2 minutes or less separate from your non-negotiables and your 35k (heavier hitter) lists.
The 2-minute tackle list is like a shot in the arm. It’s that positive hormone hit 10x, in like 20 minutes! Trust me, this list will make you want to jump into more daunting tasks just because of that hormone boost.
This list can look like:
responding to select emails,
setting appointments,
paying a bill,
sending a card,
emptying the trash,
sending an invite,
downloading a podcast for later, etc.
The possibilities are endless when you are on a roll, friend.
Your 35k list
Now that all the effortless gains of non-negotiables are in motion and your 2 minute tackle list is conquered. You can’t help but to attack this list with all that momentum! This list consists of six prioritized tasks, if all you get done this day is these 6 things you will be more than ahead for the next day. And those that don’t get done get rolled to the next. No biggie.
But they are there. Prioritized. Set. Then hit with the momentum created by the first 2 lists. BOOM! DONE.
I have a sample list and more motivation in this post: Embrace Your Badassery
Inspired by Greatness
Jordan Adler talks about keeping your action steps lists short. (Beach Money)
Dave Ramsey’s team talks about taking yourself and mission seriously. Intentionally. (EntreLeadership)
Mary Kay Ash wrote about the 35k list in her book. (Miracles Happen)
Take Inspired Action Every Day
Who is inspiring you to take action? How are you implementing this inspiration?
Over the years I have found a few things that help me stay on track, pieced together from books – like this list I just shared with you, retreats, workshops and webinars.
We work so hard to prioritize things in our lives and yet we struggle to find the right or best way to keep it all top of mind and on one page. Without added pressure or stress, or judgement. So, I forged the ISO Prosperity Planner from this. Where women like us can keep track of all of life’s lists, one accomplished and fulfilled week at a time. Living your vision, and each bite of it. Every. Single. Day.
