Get Things Done: Take 21!

Ever begin doing something that you do for a few days, and then simply stop doing it?

For example, let's say you promised yourself that you were going to file papers immediately before they got out of hand, but then something else came up, and the next thing you knew, you had another pile of papers that needed to be filed.

Or perhaps, on January 1 you made a vow to yourself to exercise for 20 minutes every day. You exercised for a few days. But then, by January 5, you gave up.

This happens to everyone on one occasion or another. But, you really can start getting things done!

Next time you really want to do something, and you want to actually start and continue doing it, realize that doing it for one, two, or even three days in a row is usually not enough.

It takes at least 21 days to form a habit. This means that you have to do something at least 21 times before it begins to become part of your everyday routine.

So . . .

Decide exactly what you want to do. Write it down and post it where you can see it every day, like your bathroom mirror. Be as specific as possible.

Schedule time to do what you want to do. Again, it takes 21 days to form a habit, so schedule at least 21 days on your calendar and don't let anything get in the way of your schedule. If you miss one of your scheduled days, it's best to start over and schedule another 21 days. You must be consistent and dedicated to doing what you want to do.

Once you reach your 21 days, congratulations! Don't stop now though, schedule another 21 days, and then another and so on, until you do what you want to do, without even thinking about it . . . like brushing your teeth.

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!
http://www.getorganizednow.com

FREE Idea-Pak and E-zine filled with tips, ideas, articles and more to help you organize your home, your office and your life at the Get Organized Now! Web site!

EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS ARE FREE TO REPRINT THIS ARTICLE IN ITS ENTIRETY AS LONG AS THE BYLINE REMAINS INTACT.

About The Author

Maria Gracia, owner of www.getorganizednow.com and author of the book, 'Finally Organized, Finally Free' can help you organize your home, your office and your life. Visit her Web site at: http://www.getorganizednow.com

getorgnow@wi.rr.com

In The News:

---

Have A Crack!

For everyone the New Year is now in full swing.... Read More

Life Doesnt Have A Sell By Date

Or does it?Best on or before?.. Nearly everything we touch... Read More

How Do I Stop Procrastinating?

Often times we procrastinate because it just seems like so... Read More

Are You a Right-Fighter?

Are You a "Right-Fighter"?Do you find yourself struggling to "win"... Read More

Two Ways to Feel Fear

In a memorable Depression-era radio speech on the radio, President... Read More

Motivation: Tearing Down Your Own Limitations

Q.: I've always been sort of cynical about all this... Read More

What Would You Change?

When talking with people about their life, or their job,... Read More

17 More Things Ive Noticed Along the Way So Far

Three areas of life in which we get very little... Read More

Ill Put My Money On The Kid!

Now, the Fun Part. It is nigh time to find... Read More

Selective Perspective

Picture this: A mother and daughter are looking at the... Read More

Citizens of the Land of Opportunity

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men... Read More

Avoid This Tendency And Youll Press Beyond Your Limits!

Inside of every one of us is the desire to... Read More

After the Big Project: Recovering From Success

My older daughter got married 10 days ago. The wedding... Read More

Curing the Blues - 14 Feel-Good Ways to Get Out of the Dumps

Everyone goes through that "in the blues" feeling once in... Read More

The Story Of A King And Three Maidens ? Six Keys To A Successful Relationship

A King was trying to choose between three maidens to... Read More

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

It is not just new age hype, studies in the... Read More

The Magic of Success is Actually a Law Set in Motion. Finding it is Quite Simple

Building Energy Around your Investment!For a century or more men... Read More

Under The Guise of Care and Concern

These words came up powerfully for me these past few... Read More

How Much Fight Is In You?

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my... Read More

Words Have Power

How many times have you heard or read that words... Read More

Cure Your Burnout!

Do you ever get those Sunday night blues? Dreading the... Read More

How Are You Feeling? Its More Of A Brain Question Than You Think

How you respond to How are You reveals a great... Read More

Finding the Easy Way

For the last hour I have been sweating over what... Read More

The Untold Truth About Mentors, and Why You DONT Need One

I think there is a misconception about what a mentor... Read More

How to Change Your Negative Reality

It is often taken for granted that the reality tomorrow... Read More

Employee Motivation Checklist - Ten Measures of Success

In the form of a simple easy to use checklist,... Read More

Violating Boundaries: Assert Yourself and Take Charge

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a... Read More

Motivation: If Today Were the Last of All Days

"If today were the last of all days........" - Marilyn... Read More

Lego Laws for Life

Just about everybody owns or has owned a bucket of... Read More

Happy New Year

H appiness depends upon your outlook on life.A ttitude is... Read More

The Top Ten Strategies to Employ When You Feel Like Quitting

Ever feel like quitting? "Are you kidding?" you ask, "A... Read More

Read All the Books

All of the books that we will ever need to... Read More

Nothing Ever Stays The Same

Nothing ever stays the same. On the one hand we... Read More