We have all met them, those successful individuals, who seem to do everything before the age of 30.  They have been early accepted to Ivy League Universities, started successful nonprofits, traveled, and managed to hold down a super high-powered job all along the way.

These individuals make a lot of people, myself included, think, “What have I been doing with my time!”  And “What do they have that I don’t?”  Sure, they might be smarter, better educated, and less restricted financially, but is this really what makes them successful?

Then, one day, last week it came to me…Remarkably successful individuals are remarkable because they don’t make excuses or put off getting things done. Their time is truly their own to manage and they make the most out of it.

No really, think about it!  How many times have you thought “I need to plan more”, “I’m not quite ready”, “I’m too busy”, etc…and the list goes on, and on, and on…and meanwhile you still haven’t accomplished anything.

Thomas Jefferson said, “Never put off to tomorrow what you can do today.” So what have you done today?  If your answer is nothing, here are a few thoughts to help you stop procrastinating and accomplish your goals.

Avoid Time Suckers

Everyone has their vices, we spend hours upon hours watching TV, surfing the internet, etc., but did you know that the average American spends 5 hours a day doing leisure activities. That’s about 76 full days each year.  Just imagine what you could do with that time!

Take the time to make more time, by turning off your TV, putting the book down, and turning off your digital devices for just a few hours every day and you will see how much more you will be able to accomplish.

Say “Yes I Can”

Be honest, what is holding you back?  Have you started something only to stop, give up and say I can’t?  At this rate, you won’t get anything done!  According to the Mayo Clinic, “If your thoughts are mostly positive, you’re likely someone who practices positive thinking.” As a result, you will be better equipped to accomplish your goals.

Baby Steps

Don’t rush to the finish line, take your time.  Just because you have made up your mind to do something, doesn’t mean that you have to do it, right this instant!  Take baby steps; accomplish one thing each day, week, and month.  Set attainable goals; chip away at them little by little.  Before you know it, you will achieve your overall goal.  “Create smaller, more immediate goals that build on your efforts to reach the final destination,” says Natalie Bounassar.

The End Game

While you are moving forward remember to keep your eyes on your goal.  Remind yourself daily why you are striving to reach your goal and what you are accomplishing along the way.  This is usually the time when doubt creeps in, where those excuses start to rear their ugly heads, don’t let them!  Remain positive, stay focused and eventually, you won’t believe what you’ve accomplished.

 

The next time you find yourself making excuses remember that you can accomplish so much if you set your mind to doing something and follow through.

Take the steps today to accomplish your goals.