How To Organize Your Goals

Question

I am having trouble organizing my daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals with regards to RE investing. I have a To Do list on my smart phone but I need something more and simple would be great.

Would be curious to know how you organize your goals. Do you use a paperbased system, pc, or smart phone? I researched Android apps but there's not much with regards to this matter.

Would be great if you could share templates if you use your PC? Eager to hear your ideas...

McKellar Newsom · Answer

I have a 3 pronged approach to goal setting.

1. I have a typed up action items sheet with the following catagories: Year goals (only 2), Quarter Goals (again only 2), Current projects (only 3 and I don't add more until I finish all 3), Today (a smattering of goals in order of priority, usually on a handful at a time), Later (a list for a later date with no cap).

2. I put  my year, quarter, current projects on my notes section of my phone.  I add later goals when I think about them and then update my action items sheet.

3.  My favorite is my "Wish Board".  I actually now have 2 boards in my closet.  I dream and have written goals placed on 2 cork boards.  I write or have pictures for goals for the following topics:

The Big Stuff
Health
Family
Friends
The Spirit
Travel
Money
For Me
Projects
Shopping
Learning
Home
Forgiveness
Sports
Adventure
Serendipity

I look at them at my leisure and don't stress about time frames.  I think the wish boards really work.   I sometimes have instantaneous results; however, some of my goals written on the cork boards are for when I am in my golden years.

Good luck.  mck

Michael Quarles · Answer

http://michaelquarles.homestead.com/Goals.pdf

Matthew Fisher · Answer

I am a big fan of computerized applications but Ive seen plenty of people use that paper system. It really depends on your preferences. However, more important than a organizational system is your contacts.

For now your only goal should be to pick an investment strategy (wholesale/cash flow/owner finance/flip) and carry it out with one house. What makes a successful real estate investor is having all the pieces in place. Who are your contractors? How are you going to finance the property? (Cash / Hard Money / Conventional) Understand tax implications of each strategy / Have a Accountant that understands RE. How are you going to find the property, I suggest a trustworthy wholeseller vs. trying to find the property yourself (very time consuming). Once you rough your way though your first property then you can look into setting ambitious yearly goals.
Best of Luck with your investing career!

Paul H. · Answer

A GIANT (3x6 or 4x8) dry erase board is what really gets me motivated. Placed in a finished basement, or office space area where it can be easily seen daily.

It's great to have some extra room to brainstorm ideas that can later be put into the long term goals/ideas side.

I'm not against formats electronically, just personally I love to see the BIG picture all planned out on a board instead of a 2 inch phone screen or 22inch computer screen.

Martin CS · Answer

Thanks James.

I just started to implement my goals and organizing tasks from the book "The Power Of Focus" and is got some great stuff.

I may look into still buying a planner as a to do list. Thanks again

James Vermillion · Answer

I know I already mentioned it but I wanted to write a follow up to my post about the planner pad.  Like some of the others I struggled to find a system that I would fully utilize.  I tried the electronic route over and over again, but in this case I have found out I need to stick to writing it down, for me, technology cannot replace everything.  After some research online, I found the planner pad, which was very affordable and had rave reviews.

I started using it in January and have not gone a day without using it.  Not only is it great for goals, it is great for organizing my daily life.  Those small things I used to forget to do, I will jot down and make sure they get done.  If you are looking for an alternative to standard day planners, notebooks, or electronic calendars I would highly recommend checking it out.

Joey Budka · Answer

I use a mix of digital and paper goal setting planner tools. I've found my personal system to be pretty effective.

I record a description of goals, values and a personal mission statement in a tangible notebook. I write my most important 6 tasks of the day in a small mini notebook, which helps on a day by day planning basis. I also use the mini notebook to record phone numbers, good ideas, names, etc. as I go about my day.

I use Gmail Calendar and Tasks to keep me focused on the minute details of my goals. This tool helps with the nitty gritty involved with planning my daily, weekly and monthly agendas. I can edit tasks, appointments and reoccurring events/routines on my computer, which syncs with my Android cell phone.

Hope this gives you some good ideas...

Geoffrey Murphy · Answer

I usually keep it simple when it comes to this. I use white line paper with blue ink. This is really big, like Tony said. It does something to your subconcious mind and it releases a energy that is like no other. Also, everytime i see that pad it ALWAYS reminds me of my goals/mission that i am trying to accomplish so it keeps it in my mind.

I keep a binder with my quarterly, yearly and monthly goes. They are divided and color coded according. I review them as oftern as possible, it depends on the person.

I am big on having the dream boards as well.

I put pictures of anything in regards to my goals. it ranges from business, personal, family, wants, needs ect...

TRUST ME IT WORKS!!

P.S. remember that our goals tend to change as we move in life and in our business so always be ready for adjustments

You will be great!!

Geoff Murphy CT

Tony A. · Answer

I've tried online apps and computer docs. to organize and keep track of my goals but, for me, there's no substitute for the good old fashioned yellow pad of paper I use.  The advantages for me are:
1.  The goal is really burned into my subconscious when I take the time to write it out
2.  I can easily access the page(s) where I've written down "WHY" I want to accomplish a particular goal, so if I get off track or start procrastinating I just flip a page and my motivations are all there
3.  I leave the notepad somewhere where I'm sure to see it the next day - so I can see my goals first thing in the am, or when I go into my office, or when I eat breakfast, go to sleep etc. -- depending on where I leave it.  This way I don't have to count on me opening an app or getting on a computer -- the goals are there for me to see whether I like it or not
4.  It's extremely satisfying to physically check off a completed goal.  It also builds motivation and confidence to see an increasingly long list of written out and checked off goals
5.  I can use the same pad to quickly write down new business ideas and goals, etc. as they come to me - not only does the notepad conjure up good motivational feeling, but my ideas, goals, etc. are easily accessible at any time
6.  The yellow stands out more than white

Highly suggest giving it a shot. 
Tony

Martin CS · Answer

Thanks Ken! Some good tips you mentioned.

How To Organize Your Goals

Most Popular Reply