*Do you tell yourself both the positive and negative truth about your work day?

*Do you remember what you did well at work?

*Do you keep a record of tasks that will support a good work evaluation?

*Do you keep track of your successes?

*Do you take the time to tell others the truth?

*Do those that you supervise know when they've done a well?

*Do they know when and where they need to improve?

*Or do you relive only the worst moments of your work day?

Telling yourself the truth applies to all parts of your life. It isn't an easy discipline to learn, because it is so much easier to complain, feel sorry for yourself or blame someone else for your mistakes. It's also awkward to talk about your successes. Telling yourself the truth, will free you up from nagging negative thoughts, open your eyes to new ideas and enable you to relax and work more productively. If you see any part of yourself in this description, then you might find the following exercises helpful.

LISTEN TO YOUR THOUGHTS: Take five minutes and listen to the thoughts in your head. Listen carefully to the tone of your remarks. Do you recognize sarcasm, anger or whining? Are any of these words familiar?: "You can't do that." "You can't break the rules or you will lose your job." "Who do you think you are?" If you hear these words or something similar then you are heading directly into a negative situation. In order to successfully complete your project, you must make some immediate changes. One of those changes is to choose:

ONE WORK AREA: Choose one difficult area: Are you aware of vulnerable areas in your project? Take a closer look at idea development, completing action plans, completing the finished project or sending the project out into the world? Remember to keep your focus on your chosen work area, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

CREATE A WORKABLE PLAN: A workable plan consists of choosing a measurable amount of work, choosing a numerical amount to guide your work and choosing a date when your goal should be completed. For example, I am going to complete two articles, ready to print and submit, by 7/16/05. I've included a specific job description (write two articles) a specific number (two) and a specific date(7/16/05). I recommend that you only choose one goal within the middle range. Choosing a goal that is too large or too small may make it harder for you to complete the goal and the project in time. In the case of extended projects you may need to set many goals before the each phase of a project is finished.

CHECK WITH OTHERS: Please remember to run your plans by your supervisor and your work group. It's important that you view these goals and working with your colleagues in a flexible manner. Remember to continue to involve others in revising your working plans. Remember also that goals and actions are tools to help you, not to take your ideas hostage.

START PRODUCING: It's time to start working toward your goal. Keep accurate records of your progress and the progress of others, as needed. Be ready for changes, interruptions and unexpected issues that might develop. When you need to adapt your goals, keep in mind that a good goal, is clearly written, producing a measureable amount of product or other change according to a clearly stated deadline.

May your work productivity and interactivity grow and your goals be realized much sooner than your deadlines.

Copyright 2005 Writer's Eye Advisory Service