To Stay Productive Beyond January, Use Signs

In last week’s Blog Talk Radio interview with productivity expert Claudine Motto — How To Stay Productive Beyond January — she said that productivity for solopreneurs often falters after the first month of the year because we lose sight of the new goals we have set.

I told Claudine that recently I printed and placed next to my computer a copy of Stephen Covey’s “quadrants” as a way to help me prioritize my time. The small sign is a humble (yet powerful) motivator.

“We need to see the things that remind us of what is important and what isn’t,” Claudine says. “Otherwise we let the day drive what we are doing, rather than our own proactive goals or priorities.”

To keep your goals in the front of your mind, I have a simple, inexpensive suggestion: signs.

Champions Use Signs

If you walk into the lockerroom of any successful athletic team, you will see motivational signs posted throughout the facility. (Faith communities are another example of organizations that use goal-oriented signage effectively.) Examples from sport are:

• What did you do today to beat [fill in blank with name of biggest rival]?

• Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. (George Halas)

• Don’t make excuses, make improvements.

• Play like a champion today.

• Success is a choice.

• The best way to predict the future is to create it.

It’s common, too, for teams to have a theme for the season and use it on signs, t-shirts, etc.

Where To Find Meaningful Quotes

If you have a tendency to lose sight of your goals, try posting a few signs — maybe two or three to begin with. The signs don’t have to be fancy; printing them on a piece of 8.5 by 11 paper is fine.

Start by looking within yourself for quotes that will motivate and inspire. Examine your mission statement, vision statement, list of goals for the year, and any other foundational documents for the words that describe why you became a solopreneur. If you have a blog, go back to some of your favorite posts for nuggets of wisdom.

There are many online sources for motivation and inspiration, too. One of my favorites is ThinkExist.com. And don’t overlook spiritual sources — holy books can speak to some of your most important (but easily forgotten) goals.

Do You Use Signs?

What do your office signs say? Please leave your comments below.