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Structure
What does the word "structure" suggest to you? For some of
us, it might conjure up ideas of army boot camp…lots of structure
there. What I mean by structure is the support systems we need to have
in place to be our best. Having the right support systems is anything
but confining or restrictive. A structure that works is actually incredibly
liberating.
Let me give you an example. Say you are starting your own business.
As Americans, we have a tendency to go it alone -- the "Lone Ranger"
mentality. We believe that people who are successful do it by themselves.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Every successful person had
people around him/her who wanted them to succeed. These people were
a part of their "structure." In fact, I suggest that anyone
starting their own business establish a support group. Think of 3 -
5 of your most uplifting and resourceful contacts and ask them to be
a part of your support team. They will be flattered. Either meet formally
with them once/month or ask them if you can call on a regular basis.
The help you will get from them will be invaluable.
What are some other ways
you can add structure to your life of business? Structure can be:
- A Regular Schedule - Assign
a certain day of the week to do a particular task. Around the house,
this could be laundry done on Wednesdays. At the office, it could
be every Friday afternoon before leaving you prioritize the tasks
for the next week.
- A Buddy - A buddy keeps
you accountable and motivated. Use a buddy to help you to exercise
or lose weight. Hire a coach to keep you on track and moving forward.
- A Reminder System - We
have so much to keep track of in life. We need reminders to keep us
working on what is important, as opposed to what's urgent. Post your
goals for the year on your daytimer page keeper so you see them all
of the time. Choose an object to put on your desk that will remind
you of something important to you.
- A Plan - Plans and goal
setting keep us on track. If you have a big project, cut it down into
bite size steps. When I make quilts, I pick an end date for the project
and work backward to set goals for each phase.
The Benefits of Structure
- You don't have to think
as much! Your mind is freed up to work on other things. If you've
already planned dinner choices for a week, you don't have to make
that decision every day.
- It sets the expectations
of others. If it's Friday, we know we have a group meeting and must
be prepared.
- Saves time. Shopping once/week
takes far less time than running out in a panic to get the items you
need.
Whether you are running a
business or a household, structure can make all of the difference. You
need two things to make you dreams come true: a clear vision and the
structure to make it happen. Where could you use more structure in your
life?
THIS MONTH'S ACTION STEPS
Think of an aspect of your
home or business life that would be easier if it was under control.
Decide what kind of structure would help:
- A Plan
- A Schedule
- A Buddy
- A Reminder
Take the action steps necessary
to put your support structure in place. If you need a plan, write down
the steps. If you could use a buddy, choose who you'd like and ask for
their help.
Structure is a way to make your life easier. If you are feeling overwhelmed
or that you are not accomplishing all you'd like, don't blame yourself.
It's not that you lack personal discipline. You probably just need to
put some additional structure in place.
Have a highly structured
May.
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