The young go-getter’s guide to staying organized & motivated for 2012
WHOA WHAT’S UP WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, OPRAH OR SOMETHING??
Whoa, relax — let me disclaim for a second, guys. to be quite frank, I’m actually more motivated than I am organized. That’s like saying, my room is a jungle but at least it’s painted in really happy colors. (Fact.) But this I have to say: my motivations in life are very, very organized — see Tip #1 below. Which is like saying, my room is a jungle but at least it’s painted in four panels of really happy colors which I planned out in advance. (Fact.)
So. Does this give me the authority/credentials to start dishing out tips now? No. But whachagonnado: it’s my blog – so here we are.
This, I hope, will speak to all you young go-getters: the high school prodigies (lauded or otherwise), the can’t-wait-to-graduate-and-conquer-the-real-world college breakout stars, the free-flyin’ goal-conquerin’ fresh & not-so-fresh grads, and even the battling-with-midlife-crisis yuppies.
Most of all, this is for everyone who is determined to do something remarkable with their lives this coming year.
If you’re not one of those, then I’m pretty sure you won’t have the patience to read throughout this entire thing. And that’s perfectly okay. You can go back to trolling 9Gag. Sorry to have bothered you. Carry on!
TIP #1 // Write down your major goals for 2012. Decide on a theme for the year.
I said earlier that I didn’t have any credentials to write this guide, but… I lied. This, my friends, is the foundation of my goal-setting street cred: more than Christmas, even more than my birthday — my favorite holiday in the world is New Year.
The last two weeks of December would see me maniacally transfixed on a New-Year’s-resolutions-making extravaganza. I swear, ever since I was a kid. Now with that much practice, I’d like to think I’ve gotten a lot better at it. Case in point: (don’t freak out) since December 2009, I’ve been using Excel spreadsheets to map out, in detail, my personal goals for the coming year. (I posted a screencap here.)
My method is a slightly edited version of Chris Guillebeau’s Annual Review, which is an extremely hardcore, detailed, and very highly recommended goal-setting method. For this post’s purpose though, I’ve tried to simplify it:
EXAMPLE: categories –> goals –> theme |
|
| CATEGORY | ONE MAJOR GOAL |
| Blogging | Start a photo blog & stick to it: Update at least twice a week. |
| Photography | Curate my best work to build a high-quality portfolio and submit it to at least three companies/publications. |
| Travel | Travel to 3 new local provinces. |
| Finances | Save P 30,000 for my travel funds (at least P 2,500 a month). |
THEME: 2012 will be a year of exploring & expressing. |
|
A few things to remember:
- Categories will be different for each person, depending on what you do, and your priorities — other sample categories include: Health/Fitness, Friends & Family, Finances, Design work, Spiritual, Learning, Charity work.
- Make your goals as clear and concrete as you can — do better than just a vague ‘Be happy’, or ‘Lose weight.’ Drill it down. Put numbers if applicable.
- These are just major goals you’re listing down. You can always break them down into more detailed, smaller sub-goals (see Chris’ website for this) — but for the purpose of clarity, focus, and picking a theme, it’s helpful to have a big-picture goal first.
- Once you’re happy with your theme, write it down in big, bold letters where you can always see it. Make it a constant reminder of what you want to achieve this year.
I found that having a theme is very important, because it gives me a sense of focus: for example, when I get random ideas for projects, or offers for new collaborations — I always check if it’s in line with what I want to achieve this year. I’d rather commit to a few, key projects that create more impact, rather than get into a lot of them, causing me to spread myself too thinly and not accomplish much in the end. So, having that central theme prevents me from throwing myself wildly at every tempting new project that comes my way. Like a cougar.
The theme can be anything! For example, my theme for my 2011 was Focused Expansion — now, I know this sounds like something a Chinese tycoon would come up with, but there’s an explanation for that at the bottom of my personal 2011 annual review. Also, if you wanna check it out, I’ve posted my theme for 2012 here.
As this article says, “If it won’t fit in a post-it, it won’t fit in your day” — and I agree.
There are two list-trimming methods that I recommend: the 3+2 rule, and One Big Task A Day.
One Big Task A Day
I personally prefer this method, because I work on several projects at any given time, and each of them is of an entirely different nature than the others. For example, a normal week for me would look like this: I need to (1) write a Senate speech, (2) layout + write a new feature article on the blog, (3) tweak HTML/CSS on my website.
Trying to accomplish a little of everything in a single day, tends to make me lose focus. That’s because whenever I have to switch hats (Senate hat, blogger hat) several times a day, it gets really confusing — so I end up not really accomplishing much. I’d rather assign a single, major task to a particular day, (ex. Today = Senate speech, Tomorrow = HTML/CSS coding), then just add bits of minor work that I can do in between breaks. This ‘minor work’ includes stuff like, searching for “Jake Gylenhaal late night interview,” or “Harry Potter behind the scenes,” or “How to teach my dog how to pray” on YouTube.
3+2 rule
However, I think that the 3+2 rule might be more suitable for students, or for people with a single, major project, or 2-3 projects that are related to each other. The rule basically says that you should only have 5 items in your list everyday: 3 + 2 = 3 major tasks, 2 minor tasks. You can read more about it here.
In the image below, I tried to illustrate the difference between the two methods. I hope it makes sense!
Important tip: DON’T leave any meeting without deciding on the team’s action steps:
What’s next? Who’s in charge of what? What are each person’s deliverables, and by when? Who’s in charge of the food the next meeting? Can it be Yellow Cab’s Dear Darla? These are all very important matters.
TRAVEL
If you’ve been reading this blog for a time now, you’d know that I like traveling alone, and immersing myself in that place and culture for at least more than a week. It’s a great way to pick up new ideas (and new clothes/accessories) — Seoul, most especially, is my favorite destination for creative recharging. The downside: I always come home feeling agitated, like I want to launch a thousand different projects all at once.
On a student’s budget? Parents won’t let you go far? Not qualified for an extended leave yet? Local travel is just as fulfilling. A deluxe bus to Baguio costs less than PHP 1000.00. Go Pinatubo hiking with your barkada. Explore Manila. Take a Celdran tour, if you haven’t yet. Check out the stores along Maginhawa St. Attend concerts/parties in Cubao X. Revisit Ayala Museum, or attend one of their Design Talks.
But if you’re extra nifty — be on the lookout for Cebu Pacific seat sales (my last Korea roundtrip airfare cost me less than 4,000 pesos!). I promise, travel is an incredible investment, and definitely worth saving up for.
MEET NEW PEOPLE
Believe me, this is the ULTIMATE way to generate new ideas: PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE.
Attend events or sign up for lessons that pique your interest. Jelly with us at co.lab. More importantly, gather up the guts to introduce yourself to new people. Now that’s the part I dread the most.
But after a year of coworking in co.lab, where the most interesting of people come and go all the time, I’ve learned that this is a crucial, crucial skill.
And you know what, in this day and age, it’s actually not as freaky anymore: “Hi, I read your blog/I follow you on Twitter. I’m ____,” is fast becoming a perfectly normal, not-so-stalkerish opening line to introduce yourself to somebody.
(And then after that you, oh, @ namedrop them casually on Twitter, hope for them to follow you back, and mope for two days straight if they don’t. Huhuhu. Yo. Get over it, honey. Twitter is not Friendster. You’re not required to add every single person you meet, then ask them for a testimonial.)
Also, try e-mailing somebody who inspires you, somebody you think would be interesting to talk to or brainstorm with. You’d be surprised that people actually reply to heartfelt, random e-mails. Pick their brains, ask for advice, and eventually, maybe set up a meeting over coffee. (Again, this does not guarantee a follow-back on Twitter. Don’t go angrily unfollowing them just because they didn’t follow you! It’s okay. It’s nothing personal. Here’s a hug.)
DO NOTHING
Some of my best, breakthrough ideas come whenever 1) I’m in the shower, or 2) I’m lying down on my bed, staring at the ceiling, absentmindedly scratching my tummy like an old man.
This is why I always keep a notebook with me, whether I’m traveling, meeting new people, or scratching my tummy. Capture the idea and write it down, no matter how vague or unformed it still might be. Conversely, it can be as detailed and complicated as you want, complete with diagrams and tables and stick figures or whatever.
Another good tip is to start it off with an “I will…” Don’t whitewash it with I hope’s or maybe’s.
Write it down as: “I will have a solo art exhibit,” or “I will record a marriage proposal video to Ryan Gosling and send it to Ellen de Generes and she will fly me out to be a surprise guest on her show when Ryan comes to promote his next movie.” YOU. NEVER. KNOW.
One of the most important, basic things about staying motivated and happy: the moment you open your eyes in the morning, right before you glance at the clock and panic, right before you grab your phone to check your messages and/or tweet — say thank you.
Think of at least one thing you’re thankful for, or, simply say thank you in advance for what the day has in store for you. This is one of the best habits that I’ve developed over the years. I find that when you consciously commit to being positive for the day, the little, petty things don’t annoy you as much.
Like, I could easily tweet, “Oh God the lady in front of me smells DISGUSTING. My day is ruined!!! I hate her I hate this day UGHHH” Or, I could just think to myself, “Oh maybe she donated her month’s supply of soap, shampoo and toiletries to the needy. How kind and wonderful.”
Let me now end with a caveat: You can make all the lists you want, written wherever or however you want — but the most crucial part is still in the EXECUTION.
And remember: things won’t always go as planned. I didn’t start out 2011 saying: This year, I will push for a piece of national legislation. But then, Jowee-Amina-Brian-Dan-AJ-everybodyelse came crashing into my life, and suddenly, there it was, on the Senate floor and there was nothing I could do about it.
Plans, lists, and goals should just be starting points, NOT rigid structures that strictly dictate your life. Things won’t happen the way you imagine it will. But still — don’t let that stop you from making plans and setting goals. Because, you know what, it makes it feel extra special when you discover that at the end of the year, you’ve managed to exceed them :)
Want to set better goals and stay focused? GET A COPY OF YOUR GO-GETTER PLANNER! Click the image below.
PS. YOU’RE STILL READING! YAY! If you made it up to here, the sincerest of thank-you’s from me :) AND, if you read the entire thing and did not just go here for the giveaway, I would love to hear your own thoughts about goal-setting and staying organized/motivated :) I worked hard on this post, so a comment would be super super appreciated, yay I love you guize. ^w^
Tash -
Oh God, I think I’m in love with you (and your blog, but mostly with you) now. And I’m not even lesbian.
I’m pretty much a new follower of your blog, and it’s so refreshing to see your posts. Many blogs out there are mostly about beauty and fashion, like it’s at the top of the blogging hierarchy or something (but don’t get me wrong, I have as much interest in it too, except when it becomes too generic, which happens a lot nowadays). So seeing both fashion and creativity (but mostly creativity)-themed posts here was such a nice change. I’m glad someone out there has the heart to pursue something as noble as promoting art and design–and even attempt to legislate it!
On a minor note, I love how you seem to be engrossed with color as much as I am. Now I know I’m no longer alone (and that I’m actually, normal, haha!). :)
And on topic, I’ve been pretty frustrated for so many years now how I always seem to lose or fail to execute good ideas because of hectic schedules (or rather, time management issues). This was a nice way of addressing that need to be organized. And I would very much like to try this out soon! :)
I’m sorry this ended up way longer than I planned, but I just felt like I had to write all that out. Again, thank you for your dedication and for inspiring us all! :)
Maria -
You will write a book. Seriously. I feel it in my bones. ❤
wanderrgirl -
Your comment gave me goosebumps and a smile that will last me for days. Thank you! It’s one of my goals to write a book someday! :) ❤
Kisty -
This needs to happen. Thank you.
Arriane -
D: ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Zabrina -
Hi Arriane! Thanks for blogging about organization + motivation. I’m a train wreck at both and this is a huge help to me. I’m planning on doing everything written here this coming year and I’ll see how it goes. I do hope everything will work out for me with this as a reminder and motivator too to keep me focused. Wish me luck!
And Happy holidays to youuu :)
Jaymie San Jose -
It’s January 2013 and it’s time to get a move in my life! Thank you for this wonderful post! You don’t know how much you inspire me Ate Arriane! *w* I can’t wait for you to publish a book! Hehe here’s to a better start of the year! :)
Kim Lorenzo Calatrava -
I think I might kill myself for discovering your blog and even learning about you and your experiences just now. I mean you posted this December 18, 2011 and I’m making this reply today January 8, 2013. That’s like 1 year and 21 days after. But I guess the essence and real meat for this post is to inspire you. I had a lot, and I mean A LOT of realizations reading this post. It just kicked me hard in the ass to realize a lot of things I have been taking granted for. And this post, and also some of your other posts made me realize that I need to take things seriously. And so, I have ventured into strategic personal planning with the things you posted here and even ordered the Go-Getter 2013 Planner (I hope this is still available!!!) even though I already have my Starbucks 2013 planner. I guess I decided to become a Go-Getter after all. So, I would like to thank you. And rest assured I’ll keep myself posted with your new posts soon. Thanks again and God bless! :)
Kim -
This is sheer genius! I hate that I just discovered your blog and all of your inspiring posts just now. I mean, this was posted 2011 and now it’s 2013! Definitely will use your ideas in my goal-setting, planning and envisioning. And oh, will deposit my payment later for the Go Getter Planner. I guess you really made us your readers inspired and even more passionate. More power Arianne! Will make myself updated with your new posts soon!
Ella -
I already read this post last year and made my 2012 annual goals. I’m rereading this to guide me in writing this year’s goals. Very useful, thanks again for writing this! :)
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Cham -
Another impulsive note-taker and To-Do List Maker here! I also agree with you in saying that it can sometimes be “useless” to spread yourself too thin and it’s better to FOCUS. I’m also guilty of this and I actually planned to change starting this year… Giving a THEME for your yearly goals is also something I did, and for 2013, mine is : GROW WITH FOCUS…
Arriane -
Hi Cham! My gosh, I’m a perennial to-do list overloader! My focus improved over time (at least, I hope) – but yeah, it takes constant practice! Hope you’re still on track with your 2013 goals!
Jess -
Hi Wanderrgirl! Stumbling on your site is heaven sent. I was googling on “how to get creative ideas” since I badly need inspiration for work lately and poof! The link directed here and I am heartfully amazed with the artworks and the words and the inspiration that you overall share with your readers. And now, reading this blog is just perfect. Focus is one thing that I’m bad at handling especially on my current work (that entails daily toxicity with enormous chunk of work) and writing the to-do list reaches up to the next page of my pad. I will practice the ONE BIG TASK method, wish me luck on that!
Thank you for letting us all inspired! God bless and more power (will wait for your book soon!) :)