100 Days Ago: Insights on How to Maximize Your Time and Achieve Your Goals

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 9 min read

Imagine what you could have achieved by now if you had set a goal 100 days ago and worked on it consistently. Time flies, and it's essential to make the most of it to reach our goals. In this blog, we'll explore strategies and techniques to help you maximize your time and achieve your goals, starting with setting SMART goals.

Setting SMART Goals

Setting goals is the first step in turning your dreams into reality. But not all goals are created equal. To increase the chances of success, you should set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Let's dive into each component:

Specific Goals

Specific goals are clear and well-defined, leaving no room for ambiguity. Instead of saying "I want to get fit," a specific goal would be "I want to lose 10 pounds in 100 days." This clarity helps you focus your efforts and know exactly what you're working towards.

Measurable Goals

A measurable goal is one that you can track and quantify. It helps you determine if you're making progress or need to adjust your approach. For example, if your goal is to read more, you might set a target of "reading 20 books in 100 days." This way, you can easily track your progress and know if you're on track.

Achievable Goals

While it's great to dream big, it's essential to set goals that are realistic and attainable. Setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration and demotivation. For instance, aiming to become a millionaire in 100 days might not be feasible for most people. Instead, focus on smaller, achievable goals that will eventually lead you to that big dream.

Relevant Goals

A relevant goal is one that aligns with your values, interests, and long-term objectives. Ask yourself if this goal is worth your time and effort, and if it will bring you closer to your overall vision. For example, if you want to improve your health, a relevant goal might be "to cook and eat three healthy meals a day for the next 100 days."

Time-Bound Goals

Lastly, setting a deadline for your goal creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused. A time-bound goal might sound like "I will complete my online course in the next 100 days." By giving yourself a specific timeframe, you're more likely to take action and make progress, as opposed to leaving it open-ended.

Prioritizing Tasks

Once you've set your SMART goals, it's time to prioritize the tasks required to achieve them. Prioritizing is essential because it helps you focus on the most important and impactful tasks. There are several methods for prioritizing tasks, and we'll discuss three of them below:

The Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, is a simple system for categorizing tasks based on their urgency and importance. It consists of four quadrants:

Urgent and important: Tasks that need immediate attention and contribute to your goals.
Important but not urgent: Tasks that contribute to your goals but can be scheduled for later.
Urgent but not important: Tasks that require immediate attention but don't contribute to your goals. Consider delegating these tasks.
Neither urgent nor important: Tasks that don't contribute to your goals and don't require immediate attention. Eliminate or minimize these tasks.

By categorizing your tasks using this matrix, you can quickly identify what needs to be done first and what can be postponed or delegated.

The ABC Method

The ABC Method is another approach to prioritizing tasks, where you assign a letter (A, B, or C) to each task based on its importance:

A: High-priority tasks that need to be completed first.
B: Medium-priority tasks that can be done after A tasks are completed.
C: Low-priority tasks that can be done if time allows, or rescheduled for later.

This method helps you focus on the most critical tasks (A tasks) and ensures that you're making progress towards your 100-day goals.

The Ivy Lee Method

The Ivy Lee Method is a simple yet effective technique for prioritizing your daily tasks. At the end of each day, write down the six most important tasks you need to accomplish the next day, in order of priority. The next day, start with the first task and work your way down the list. Any unfinished tasks can be carried over to the next day's list. This method encourages single-tasking and helps you build momentum as you complete tasks and move closer to your goals.

Time Management Techniques

Now that you've set your SMART goals and prioritized your tasks, it's time to manage your time effectively. Time management techniques can help you stay focused, reduce stress, and make the most of your day. Here are three popular time management techniques that you can try:

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves breaking your work into short, focused intervals called "Pomodoros" — typically 25 minutes long — followed by a short break. After completing four Pomodoros, you take a longer break. This technique helps you maintain concentration, reduce mental fatigue, and make steady progress toward your goals. Here's how it works:

Choose a task from your prioritized list.
Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on the task without any distractions.
When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break.
Repeat this process, and after completing four Pomodoros, take a 15-30 minute break.

The Pomodoro Technique can be especially helpful when working toward your 100-day goals, as it encourages consistent progress and prevents burnout.

Time Blocking

Time Blocking is a time management technique where you schedule specific blocks of time for different tasks throughout your day. By allocating dedicated time slots for each task, you can stay focused and minimize distractions. Here's how to implement time blocking:

Review your prioritized task list and estimate how much time each task will take.
Divide your day into blocks of time and assign each task to a specific time block.
Stick to your schedule and work on the assigned task during its designated time block.
Adjust your schedule as needed to accommodate any changes in priorities or deadlines.

Time blocking can help you stay on track with your 100-day goals by ensuring you dedicate enough time to each important task.

The Two-Minute Rule

The Two-Minute Rule is a simple time management technique for handling small tasks efficiently. If a task can be completed in two minutes or less, do it immediately instead of postponing it or adding it to your to-do list. This approach helps you clear minor tasks quickly, freeing up time for more significant tasks that contribute to your goals. The Two-Minute Rule can be particularly useful when working on tasks related to your 100-day goals, as it helps you maintain momentum and avoid procrastination.

Tools and Apps for Productivity

Besides time management techniques, there are various tools and apps available to help you stay organized, track your progress, and achieve your goals within 100 days. Here are three popular productivity tools to consider:

Trello

Trello is a versatile project management and organization tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help you visualize and manage your tasks. You can create a board for your 100-day goals, add lists for different categories or stages, and use cards for individual tasks. Trello allows you to:

Organize tasks in a visual, easy-to-understand format.
Collaborate with team members by assigning tasks and sharing progress.
Integrate with other productivity tools like Google Calendar, Slack, and Evernote.

By keeping your 100-day goals organized and visible, Trello can help you stay focused and on track.

Asana

Asana is a comprehensive project management tool designed to help teams plan, organize, and track their work. With Asana, you can create projects for your 100-day goals, break them down into tasks, and assign deadlines and responsibilities. Asana provides various features, including:

Gantt charts and calendars for visualizing project timelines.
Customizable templates for different types of projects and workflows.
Integration with popular productivity apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft Teams.

Asana can help you manage your 100-day goals effectively by keeping your tasks organized, setting deadlines, and monitoring progress.

Pocket

Pocket is a handy app for saving articles, videos, and other content for later consumption. With Pocket, you can easily save any useful resources you come across during your 100-day journey and access them whenever you need inspiration or guidance. Pocket offers:

A simple interface for organizing saved content with tags and categories.
Offline access, so you can read or watch your saved content without an internet connection.
Integration with popular apps like Twitter, Flipboard, and Feedly, making it easy to save content from various sources.

Using Pocket to collect and organize resources related to your 100-day goals can help you stay informed, motivated, and inspired throughout your journey.

Forming Productive Habits

Developing productive habits is essential for maximizing your time and achieving your goals within the next 100 days. Here are some strategies to help you create and maintain habits that support your success:

The 21/90 Rule

The 21/90 Rule is a simple guideline for forming habits: it takes 21 days to create a habit and 90 days to make it a permanent part of your lifestyle. To apply this rule to your 100-day goals, you can:

Identify a habit that supports your goal, such as daily exercise, reading, or writing.
Commit to practicing the habit for 21 days consistently, without skipping any days.
After 21 days, continue practicing the habit for another 69 days, making it a total of 90 days to solidify the habit into your routine.

By following the 21/90 Rule, you can establish productive habits that help you reach your goals more effectively within the 100-day timeframe.

Habit Stacking

Habit stacking is a technique for incorporating new habits into your existing routine by linking them to already established habits. This method helps you create a seamless transition between habits, making it easier to adopt new ones. For example, if you want to start reading more, you could stack the new habit of reading for 15 minutes after your existing habit of drinking a cup of coffee in the morning. To create a habit stack:

Identify a current habit that you perform consistently.
Select a new habit that supports your 100-day goal and can be performed immediately after the existing habit.
Practice the new habit immediately after the existing habit every day, creating a chain of connected habits.

Habit stacking helps you integrate new habits into your daily routine, making it easier to maintain them over the course of 100 days and beyond.

The Power of Routine

Establishing a consistent daily routine can help you prioritize tasks, manage your time effectively, and maintain focus on your 100-day goals. A well-structured routine can:

Minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of choices you have to make each day.
Improve your mental and physical energy levels by creating predictability and stability.
Ensure you allocate time for important tasks and activities related to your goals.

By developing a routine that incorporates productive habits and supports your 100-day goals, you can maximize your time, stay on track, and achieve your objectives more efficiently.

Staying Motivated

Keeping your motivation levels high is crucial to achieving your goals within 100 days. Here are some strategies to help you stay motivated and focused on your objectives:

Visualizing Success

Visualizing the successful completion of your goals can be a powerful motivator. By creating a mental image of what success looks like, you can inspire yourself to keep pushing forward. To practice visualization:

Take a few minutes each day to close your eyes and imagine achieving your 100-day goal.
Focus on the feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction that come with achieving your objective.
Use this mental image as a source of inspiration whenever you need a motivational boost.

By regularly visualizing your success, you can maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated throughout your 100-day journey.

Rewarding Yourself

Rewards can be an effective way to keep yourself motivated as you work towards your 100-day goals. By celebrating your progress and treating yourself for a job well done, you can reinforce your commitment to your objectives. To implement a reward system:

Set milestones within your 100-day timeframe, such as every 20 or 30 days.
Choose a reward that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to, such as a special treat, a relaxing activity, or a small purchase.
When you reach a milestone, take the time to enjoy your reward and acknowledge your progress.

By rewarding yourself for reaching milestones, you can maintain your motivation and stay focused on your goals throughout your 100-day journey.

Finding Inspiration

Surrounding yourself with sources of inspiration can help you stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude as you work towards your 100-day goals. Some ways to find inspiration include:

Listening to motivational podcasts or audiobooks that discuss goal-setting, productivity, and personal development.
Reading biographies or watching documentaries about people who have achieved similar goals to yours.
Connecting with like-minded individuals who share your goals and can offer support, encouragement, and advice.

By seeking out sources of inspiration, you can maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated as you work towards achieving your 100-day goals.

If you're finding it challenging to work on personal projects during these difficult times, check out Jade Ang Jackman's workshop, 'Making Personal Projects Happen Amidst A Global Health Crisis.' This workshop will provide you with practical tips and insights on how to stay motivated and productive while managing your personal projects amidst the ongoing global health crisis.