I like just laying around on the weekend as much as the next guy, but sometimes we need to get things done. Sometimes it is the famous honey do list type of things, but sometimes there are things that we want to get done on our own.

I have found that to maximize the chance of success there are a few things you need to do.

1. Set Clear Goals
   The more vague your goals are, the more likely you won’t get them done. Be as specific as possible. Don’t set the goal of “make a sit down dinner.” Instead set it as “make a dutch oven pot roast for dinner.” Being specific up front focuses you even more on the end goal.
2. Make a List (in your head doesn’t count)
   This can be on a sticky note, whiteboard or the nearest scrap of paper, but putting it down on paper makes it more likely to happen. This is extra important if you have more then one goal because you can check them off as you complete them. This gratification will help you push forward.
3. Don’t Do Too Much
   A million tiny tasks or a handful of major ones will both kill you. Don’t give into the temptation to try and do too much. Recognize your limitations and set the right number of goals. Nothing sucks more then having to push something off to the next weekend.
4. Tell Other People Your Goals
   When you are accountable to someone, it is a great motivator. It is very easy to tell yourself you are going to do something, but the more people you tell the more likely you are to stay focused and succeed.
5. Celebrate Victory
   When you complete a group of tasks or at the end of the weekend when your list is all checked off be sure to reward yourself. It might be something simple like sitting down for a beer break or some time playing video games. Just be sure to congratulate yourself.

What got me thinking about all this was the final project for the #SonyDads initiative in which we were suppose to take part in a field trip with our families and document it. Every time we went to do this the weather was horrible and so I figured I’d document a rainy weekend in our house instead since I was out of time and options.

In the end it was a boring weekend, but it was a productive one for me as you can see in the video where I cleaned up my office and set up my photography closet. Interesting how starting out in one direction ended up with this.

The video was filmed with with Sony HDR-XR500 camcorder. I’m really glad I got to check this unit out. It certainly delivers good results even when the guy behind the camera is me. *laugh*

This post is part of series called the “Sony DigiDads Project” by Sony Electronics where a group of dads, including C.C. Chapman, Jeffrey Sass, Max Kalehoff, Michael Sheehan, and Brad Powell, have been given the opportunity to test and review Sony gear. If you want to know more about this project, head on over to the Sony Electronics Community.