I had happened to be out running an errand today, and was reminded of a lesson on how to massively end deadline creep and procrastination for the goals that I set for myself.

I happen to drive by a construction site for a new Super Target discount store amongst the rubble and construction chaos there on the building was a giant banner that said “Grand Opening on October 8, 2006″. What a brilliant move! Does this leave any doubt in your mind that the that store will be ready and open for business on October 8th?Public disclosure of a deadline is a very powerful motivating concept

Whomever is in charge of this construction project knows how to motivate people. There will be no deadline creep on this project. you can bet your last dollar on it. How would you like to be the subordinate who has to go in to the project manager to inform him that the new windows will not arrive on time in order to make the October 8, 2006 grand opening date? You might as well be cleaning out your desk on your way to your boss’s office.

What can we learn from this the public disclosure of a deadline is a very powerful motivating concept. A favorite on my bookshelf is “Influence, the new psychology of modern persuasion” by Robert Cialdini, in it he spends an entire chapter on this concept which he calls Commitment and Consistency. The powerful effect that public pronouncements have upon the sub conscious mind to help us achieve our goals. The best way you can summon the willpower for quitting smoking is to hang out a big banner in front of your house saying, “I just quit”. This will go along way toward preventing you from ever being seen in public with a cigarette again. Have you ever noticed how many people try to quit without telling anyone? Can anyone guess why they do that?

Further information about this topic is available in the online class:

• Buy a Business - Nothing Down
• How to Start a Home Based Business
• How to Earn a Living Freelancing
• How to Start an Internet Business
• Teaching on the Internet
• Telecommuting - Working from Home
• Teach Adults for Fun and $$$
• Organize Or Agonize

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the “Leave Your Comments” link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I’d love to hear from you!

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