There is Always an Excuse

This is one of those days where I started behind and I just seem to be running in sand. The harder I try to get caught up the farther behind I fall. It wouldn’t be so bad if this day wasn’t normal for my routine instead of something that only happens periodically.

It’s hard keeping a schedule in my home – especially when it comes to writing. The presence of a two and a half year old boy running through the house is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Add to that the fact that my office is in the kitchen and its amazing that I accomplish anything literary on some days.

But that’s not all that goes on. We homeschool our children, which means the older boys are also with me all day long. Some times that’s a help and sometimes it just adds to the chaos. I’m sure you have similar things in your life that always provide an easy excuse NOT to do what you know you need to be doing.

There is ALWAYS an excuse. The difference between those who successful reach their potential and those of us still struggling is that they have chosen not to use the excuses.

I’m attempting to reach beyond. Schedules and lists and plans all help me to stay focused on the tasks that I need to accomplish in any given time period. Keeping a list of how I’m spending my time (so that I can physically see how much time watching television is eating) helps me use that time more wisely. What ever it takes to push through it what I’m willing to do.

1. Chore list – I have made out a monthly chart that shows what needs to be done every day of the week and also includes a list of things that need to be done (or checked) every day. Twice a day the whole family is suppose to get together and tackle the items on the chart. On the days that it happens, the house is much more orderly and organized making it easier for me to focus.

2. Daily to-do – this is my work list that includes the article or job I need to complete, the number of words in the article, the number of articles in the job, the estimated time involved and also the pay. At the end of each day I can break down how long I spent on my writing and also how much potential income was earned.

3. Goals – At the beginning of the season I wrote down four goals that I wanted to accomplish in the next three months. I also made a list of daily activities that could help me reach those goals (objectives). Each day I put one objective per goal on my to-do list.

4. Schedule – I took the time to write out an hour by hour schedule for me and for the whole family. IF we stay on schedule then all the tasks of the day will be accomplished – it will be a great day when that happens. 😀

5. If I had . . . – the other day I sat down and wrote out a list of things I could do in five minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. Now I can get inspiration even when I have no motivation.

Writing out my plan for the day usually takes about ten minutes and I think that it is a good way to spend those particular ten minutes of my limited time. Having a written and charted path for my time and energy helps me to stay on target to reach the success I desire for myself and for my family.