Obtaining Goals to Achieve Others

Lisa, one of my blog readers, made a dead on accurate statement today regarding motivation and I just had to share it! I have been putting together a blog post on the topic and her comment today inspired me to get it out!

"I find that I'm most motivated when I have a deadline.. ie. people coming over to my house. My son is having major surgery this week and he will have tutors coming to our house for the school that he will miss while at home for the next 6 weeks. That will motivate me to clean up the living room, family room and kitchen, since they are all connected.... UGH!!!! I will be happy when it is all clean, but getting to that point will be a major chore!" - Lisa, Michigan

How true is that?! What major goals do you have right now that you possibly have accomplished that set in motion a dominoe effect to achieve other goals?

I actually am noticing a few for myself. I wanted to go to Scotland for the last 5 years and now I am going. Achieving that goal has set into motion a few other goals that I was unmotivated to accomplish.

• Losing weight - One of the hikes I am going on is 10 miles round trip....hello, I am 30 pounds over weight, drink way too many Cokes in a day, and I haven't walked farther than around Target a few times looking for my wayward children! I need to get my fat ass in gear if I am going to go to Sweetheart Abbey!
• Saving money - I am HORRIBLE at saving money. If I have it I spend it. Mostly on stuff for the house and the kids, but I still spend it. But I have two months to save up for and budget for my trip to Scotland so this is going to force me to do that.
• Taking some time for myself - As a parent, have you ever noticed that the extra time you do have you are spending the energy catching up with laundry, cleaning the house, finishing up some forgotten projects? I haven't been on a relaxing vacation in 6 years and I am ready to just take some time just. for. me.

The best part about all of the goals is my main achieved goals is FORCING me to accomplish them. Lisa likes deadlines and they motivate and push her to accomplish hers. I am very similar, especially with the things I don't want to do. Not only do I have deadlines, but I also have an incentive. Get into shape and go to Sweetheart Abbey or be a lazy fat slob and sit in town at the pub for two days. :o) I can do THAT at home!