Party PREP

Lots of phrases and metaphors are used to describe the unpleasantries of life, especially those surrounding undesirable tasks.  While I love my job, there are aspects that don’t fill my bucket as much as other facets.  As such, I tend to avoid them until they become necessary, critical, or even eleventh hour.  Some might call this procrastination, avoidance, or laziness.  Others would argue that it is human nature to dodge the tasks in life we don’t enjoy.  Shelves of books have been written on the topic in the attempt to help people find motivation in these areas.

A coworker and I were using some of the common metaphors to describe an accounting task I didn’t want to engage in, and we decided that the use of negative phrases probably doesn’t help our mindset.  We understand why some people might find value in these funny quotes, but we were starting to feel that it wasn’t helping us to frame positive energy around tasks we already don’t want to do.  So, we began brainstorming, and together we came up with a mantra: PREP for the Party! 

She and I both enjoy social engagements, and we know that preparations are necessary to ensure a successful party.  People often don’t jump up and down with joy at the thought of the prior arrangements that are required to be a good host, but they complete these steps to enjoy the outcome of the party.  We decided that once a dreaded task is done, especially when it helps in the pursuit of other goals, the feeling is often like hosting a well-received social event.  The preparation is worth it for the results.  Hence, we decided to embrace the mantra: PREP for the Party!

In this case, PREP is an acronym that helps us lay the groundwork as we decide to embark on challenges.  The ‘P’ represents Priorities (Prioritize Goals).  The ‘R’ stands for Resources (Recognize Needs), and ‘E’ is for Environment (Evaluate Surroundings).  Lastly, ‘P’ symbolizes Pavement (Pivot, Move).  The simple PREP acronym helps us lay the groundwork so we can be more efficient during the times that are necessary but perhaps not desirable.

P: Priorities (Prioritize Goals)

R: Resources (Recognize Needs)

E: Environment (Evaluate Surroundings)

P: Pavement (Pivot, Move)

Party PREP!

Changepoints:

Ponder the areas in your life or specific tasks that you tend to avoid:

·      Why do you procrastinate or stall-out in these areas?

·      How can the process of using a positive mantra to reframe these tasks help your approach?

·      In what ways could you implement the “PREP” concepts into your habits?

·      How can you hold yourself accountable to completing undesirable tasks in a timely and effective manner to help ensure the greatest potential for success?

o   What other parts of your life will be impacted by making these changes?

o   What systems can you implement to help yourself track your goals? 

Anytime you avoid a necessary function, consider why you are doing so and if a “party” might result if you get it done.

outSIGHTin, LLC: Creating awareness as a changepoint for improved organizational results.