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You’re Never Too Old for a Gold-Star Chart
A classic kindergarten tool is a great motivator for adults, too
As a creative right-brained thinker, I’m highly susceptible to shiny-new-thing syndrome. I’m great at thinking big and brainstorming lofty goals, but when it comes to taking the necessary steps to get there — ooh, look at that new opportunity over there! Wait, what was I saying?
Over the years, though, I’ve developed some systems to keep myself in check and actually get things done. These systems have helped me to write novels, lose 120 pounds, and build a business. One of my favorites: I set tiny daily goals for myself and give myself a gold star for each one I meet.
Yes, a literal gold star. I buy myself the same kind of foil stickers that kindergarten teachers have used to motivate six-year-olds for decades and stick them on my calendar so I can visualize my progress. Somehow, seeing those tiny rewards — and watching them accumulate day after day — can be a thrill, even for grown adults. The stars are a visual reminder of how far I’ve gotten. They motivate me to keep going.
You can use the gold-star system for whatever it is you’re trying to achieve. The trick is to keep your daily goal very small so that skipping the task is psychologically more painful than just doing it. I tell myself that I must spend just 10 minutes making forward motion on my most important project, whatever that may be. There have been nights when I’ve gotten into bed only to toss and turn and finally get up again at 11:45 p.m. so I can write, exercise, or build my email list for 10 minutes to get my damn star. I don’t want to break the chain.
It’s surprising how much this little system has helped me work toward my goals, even when I don’t feel like working. The best part is when I look up at the calendar, see it filled with rows of shiny stars, and realize that I’m actually getting big things done.
