Follow that carrot!

One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to establish goals.  Some people need to actually write down their goals, or keep a picture handy of something they are working toward.  Others simply focus on one or two goals in their mind, and they keep working until they realize them.  While I believe there really is no preferential way to keep a list of goals, I do believe that setting goals is very important in maintaining efficiency in the workplace.

When you concentrate on accomplishing the goals you have established for yourself, you move to a higher level of functioning in the workplace, because you don't concern yourself with the daily gossip, grumbling, and the monotony of the unimportant events of the day.  Rather than wasting time on unproductive activities that present themselves to you rather randomly, you come to work each day, with a specific list of things you need to accomplish.  Whatever isn't necessary or a priority doesn't get done that day.  When you operate in this fashion, you will realize that you don't pass the time "putting out fires," but rather acting in a proactive and efficient manner, because you are concentrating intently on meeting your goals.

As people set goals and accomplish them, they get a boost of positive self esteem.  When a four or five year old learns to tie his or her shoe, just think about how good that child feels when he or she finally accomplishes that task.  However, as we gain skills, we need to continually push the bar higher and keep working to higher-level goals.  Any healthy, normal 30 year old will not receive any positive self esteem from tying his or her shoe.

We need to keep dangling carrots out there in front of us, giving us something to work for, and when we accomplish our goals, we feel good about it.  Positivity provides you with a "force field" that protects you from negativity which can surround you.  Characteristics such as positivity, efficiency, and productivity are like repellent to naysayers and gripers who spend large amounts of time each day grumbling and complaining (as if that's going to fix anything).  You don't have time for them, because you're busy going after your carrot, and for the most part they'll leave you alone and seek other time wasters.

So, let's hang some carrots and start chasing!

Best wishes,

Victor