101 Goals in 1001 Days: Executing Your Goals

by Marina Martin | Filed under: 101 Goals in 1001 Days

This is the final post in the 101 Goals in 1,001 Days series.

Now that your 101 goals are brainstormed, refined, and organized, it’s time to execute!

To continue building on Getting Things Done, we’re going to keep your 101 project action lists in a binder, with your master 101 goal list serving as your master project list.

Printable versions of all the worksheets mentioned below are available FREE at 101goalsin1001days.com.

Now we’re going to create a Next Action list. Initially, this list should be populated with at least 101 “To Do” items that you can do right now–one for each goal.

Review this list constantly. Read it over a few times a day. Since it only has tasks that can be done right now, you can exercise the freedom to choose which one(s) you are in the mood for, and which ones you aren’t. This is the beauty of organizational freedom.

You should also keep a “Waiting On” list. As you move through your goals, you will find many of your projects will be on hold for various lengths of time because you are waiting on something out of your control, such as your passport back from the government or a response back from someone. Every goal should have at least one task on either the “Next Action” list or the “Waiting On” list.

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Want someone to personally check in on your progress each week?
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At least once per week you’ll want to do a Weekly Review. (I do mine on Sundays at 6:45pm.) During this review, you’ll want to:

• Review your Next Action list to check off items that were already done and move items you’re waiting on to your “Waiting On” list.
• Review each goal’s action list to check off completed items and look for or identify new items to add to your Next Action list
• Review your Waiting On list for items that have already been received (like a passport) or to follow-up on items that you’re still waiting on

The weekly review is key. By checking in on your progress each week, you ensure that none of your goals fall by the wayside, and that — even if you’re waiting on more time or money to complete a particular goal — you’re working toward completion.

First posted on September 14, 2007