For the past month I’ve been recounting the trials and tribulations in my project to massively reorganise my life. An exercise in humility, but my hope in airing my failings is to identify pitfalls so others might avoid them. Here are my biggest “learnings” so far:

1 Overcoming the frustration of being a beginner

Having coached hundreds of people through change-making, I assumed it’d be a breeze for me. But it’s much easier to cheerlead, than to praise ourselves and believe we can do it. Having a coach is like having a mirror. Otherwise it’s hard to see ourselves straight.

Giving myself permission to be rubbish has been hard. High expectations and a desire for instant gratification made the slow process of change feel sometimes disappointing and defeating. It took an outsider’s perspective to help me cut myself some slack, create more realistic time frames and be a bit more forgiving. (It still takes continual reminding to offer myself the same understanding I afford others.)

2 Focus = gold

It seems I have the attention span of a kitty-cat. I fear years of structured education and employment have left me ill-prepared for directing my focus without a taskmaster or a bell to signify the end of lessons.

There are so many distractions! I’ve found that physical reminders (alarms, post-it signs, check-ins from others) and restraints (no e-mail notifications, phone calls, internet surfing and being tied to a chair!) are necessary to help me direct my focus and keep it where I need it.

3 Face

Turns out I’m more likely to stick to something I’ve promised someone else (even just to save face) than a promise to myself. I’ve a knack for talking myself out of hard work.

For me, external accountability is good defence against self-sabotage. And revisiting my reasons for change helps promote motivation.

4 Play

Procrastination has one foot in perfectionism (see my first point) and one in boredom! All work and no play and my inner child’s throwing a resistance tantrum. Overscheduling and too much solitary self-work can suck my joy.

To avoid rebellion I need to make it fun. Having a compatriot on my quest makes it more lively and interesting.

5 Going for the biggest winner

When time, resources or energy are short, put effort into the task with the greatest Return On Investment; the one that garners the most beneficial results in line with your goals.

In my project, nightly preparation of setting goals and intentions for the next day has had huge pay-offs. Something not to miss, no matter how tired I am.

The most ironic realisation about this project? That I should have seen a life-coach when I started it. Progress would’ve been quicker with a coach onboard to offer that mirror, accountability, support, collaboration and dedicated time to refocus and connect with goals and motives. Isn’t that why I do what I do for others? Duh! Well, it’s never too late. I’m off to make an appointment!

Julia Pitt is a trained success coach and certified NLP practitioner on the team at Benedict Associates. For further details contact Julia on 705-7488, www.juliapittcoaching.com.