5 Keys to GUILT-FREE Success

Using the acronym G.U.I.L.T, below you’ll find 5 simple keys to living guilt-free:

5 – Get clear about what it is you really want. So often folks live their life in a state of as-soon-as, “As soon as I get that promotion”, “As soon as the kids are in school..out of school…married”, “As soon as I earn enough money”. What is it about those things you really want, and how can you build them into your life right now?

4 – Up your energy. Energy is the foundation for everything you do. Every daily encounter either gives energy or drains it. Therefore, it’s imperative to continually replenish that energy reserve. Caring for yourself is not a luxury, especially in light of the fact that in the past 20 years leisure time has shrunk 40% and work time increased 15%. If you aren’t caring for yourself how will you be able to take care of everyone else?

3 – Identify what it is you are saying “Yes” and “No” to. Whenever you say yes to something, you automatically say no to something else, consciously or unconsciously. Saying no is not selfish. It’s not necessary to say no to everything, but rather to say yes to the RIGHT things. Guilt-Free No’s are tied to one’s goals and values.

2 – Live your values. Values are not morals or principles; they represent your unique self and shape your actions. When values are incorporated into your daily life, work, and goals, life becomes inherently fulfilling. It also creates focus and energy.

1 – Take time for family. While we can’t do EVERYTHING 100%, we CAN give 100% to what we’re doing right NOW. When you are working, work. When spending time with your family, be 100% present. Schedule specific time and events and then PROTECT that time the same as you would an important business meeting with your best client. Your family is worth it!

About the Author:

Victoria Cook is a successful speaker, Certified Professional Coach, and creator of The Guilt-Free Results System™.  Using her 7 step system, Victoria helps women professionals and practitioners create the guilt-free results they desire.  Get free resources for increasing YOUR time and reducing stress at http://www.theguiltfreecoach.com/gift.

10 Steps to Mapping Out Your Plan

Once you have a vision and values-based S.M.A.R.T goals, it’s time to put a plan together for achieving them. This plan MUST be a written (or typed) document. Here are 10 easy steps for completing the plan:

1. Select a format for recording your plan. I have a couple different formats I’ll make available on the Free Tools page of my website.

2. Stephen Covey tells us to “begin with the end in mind” meaning start with where you want to end and work your way backwards recording all the necessary tasks.

3. Organize the tasks into either phases or logical sections. This helps break down the goal into smaller parts that feel more attainable.

4. Once subdivided, prioritize the tasks in each section and identify any dependencies between tasks.

5. Calculate the amount of time needed to complete each task and phase. If these calculations don’t match the completion date of the goal you will either need to alter the end date of your goal, or commit more time and resources to getting the tasks done sooner.

6. Assign due dates to each task.

7. Set aside time in your calendar each day/week to actually work on completing the tasks you identified in your plan. Too often when working with clients I find they do the planning and write it down but neglect to set time aside in their calendar to actually do the work. Make an appointment with yourself and stick to it.

8. Take time each week to review your progress and check off completed tasks in your plan. It’s very gratifying.

9. Notice what is and isn’t working with your plan and make any needed modifications and updates.

10. Each month, review your Vision, Goals and Plan to refocus on the big picture and celebrate your successes. This will keep the momentum flowing.

About the Author
Victoria Cook is a successful speaker, Certified Professional Coach, and creator of The Guilt-Free Results System™.  Using her 7 step system, Victoria helps women professionals and practitioners create the guilt-free results they desire.  Get free resources for increasing YOUR time and reducing stress at http://www.theguiltfreecoach.com/gift.

10 Steps to Mapping Out Your Plan © 2005 – 2009 Victoria Cook. All rights reserved.