Get Beyond Stuck

All tasks have three stages to them. Understanding this can keep you from getting stuck. The goal is always completion. An organized life requires completed tasks. As you work through the three phases it becomes its own checklist for you. 

Let’s use this example to demonstrate the three stages-

I need to make a doctor’s appointment but I have put if off for months. I figured out that there was more to it than I realized for me to complete this task. 

1. Preparation: This is the “getting ready” phase. In our example above, here’s what preparation looked like. I needed to have the phone number for the doctor’s office, a pen and my calendar. I also needed to plan for at least fifteen minutes to go from start to finish. (Sometimes you get put on hold when you call the office)
2. Implementation: This second phase is the act of doing the task. Back to the example, I pick up the phone and schedule the appointment AND I write it on the calendar. 
3. Completion: This is the last phase. It involves putting things away that were used in the process of this task. In this case, the pen and calendar were put back where in their designated space. I updated any other calendars such as the one on my phone. All of the finishing details come together to bring the task to its completed end. 

One thing to point out, at any phase there can be a break in the process. This is why I am hoping you can use this as a checklist. As you get through phase one, check it off and move on to phase two. Same thing here. If you have the preparation done, there is no need to stop, keep it moving. This can be applied to anything from paperwork, managing time, preparing dinner or working the household budget. Once phase two is complete, the icing on the cake is phase three. As you complete, take note of it. This is a win for you!