How do you know you’re effective, that you’re “hitting the mark?” Do you have a way to measure each goal you’ve set for yourself? Let’s face it, it isn’t easy setting all those New Year’s Resolutions only to see them fall by the wayside just a few days into the new year. You originally thought you’d effectively hit each one. How can you get back on track?

If you’re like most people, you have all sorts of goals –  plans or wishes really – and many of them overlap each other in some way. YOU may be effectively juggling all those plans, but have you been effective in what you’ve completed?

If you want to improve your effectiveness, these 5 simple tips can help you:

1. Make the most of your down time or unscheduled time

Humans need down time. We have to take some time for ourselves every now and then to collect our thoughts, to set some goals, to work out how to put plans in motion. Unscheduled time allows out creativity shine and helps us concentrate on solutions to problems. But the only way you will be likely to find time for yourself is if you actually schedule some downtime. So schedule it ,,, and take it.

^[2]

2. Be results oriented

You only get one chance in life, so it’s crucial to set both personal and professional goals to help you to achieve your dreams ^[3] and ambitions. But don’t just set them – demand results from yourself. Setting goals costs you nothing but a little time and thought, but failing to set any goals can result in failure and regret.

3. Make your strengths work for you

Find work that allows you to make some use of your talents and interests and you’ll find that you’re happier, healthier and much more effective. If, for example, your talents and interests lie in working with people, find a job that allows you to take best advantage of those strengths. If you’re just NOT a “people person, ” please don’t think you need to go into sales. Oh and “finding” the work you truly enjoy may be a job into itself … but that’s okay!

4. Focus on one or two tasks at a time

“I’ve got so many things to do, I don’t even know where to start!” Felt this way recently? Probably. When you are overwhelmed with work, it’s imperative that you prioritize your tasks and then focus on the one or two most important tasks. Devote your full attention to them, so you can complete them, get them off your plate and move on to the next prioritized task. A tasks completed rarely comes back to bite you!

5. Make good decisions

When you must make a decision, get all the information you need, ask others for their input and suggestions, consider all the alternatives and then make the decision. Remember, to not decide is to decide.

About the author

Ron has written 1082 articles on The Wisdom Journal.

The founder and editor of The Wisdom Journal ^[4] in 2007, Ron has worked in banking, distribution, retail, and upper management for companies ranging in size from small startups to multi-billion dollar corporations. He graduated Suma Cum Laude from a top MBA program and currently is a partner in a national building materials company.

If you enjoyed what you just read and would like to get FREE email updates with the freshest articles from The Wisdom Journal ^[4] delivered right to your inbox, subscribe today ^[5]! It's ridiculously easy and you can unsubscribe at any time. Since your email address is never sold or abused, you can subscribe with confidence, PLUS you'll get free reports/guides/eBooks, subscriber only benefits, and other perks.

• Blog ^[4]
• Twitter ^[6]
• Facebook ^[7]

_{»crosslinked« ^[8]}