How I Get Stuff Done

In the comments from this morning's post on goal-setting, Christy asked if I have a set schedule for how I get things done. The short answer is no. But the short answer is never enough for me, so I'll elaborate!

As I stated in this morning's post, my goal is to reach 1000 listings in my store by the end of September. Christy wanted to know if I have a set number of items I list each day, or if I have a set number of times I shop. I'll address the shopping question first.

This past year, I took regular road trips. Once a month, I went to Harrisburg for the day. I dear friend watched my kids for the day while I shopped till I dropped! That was usually good for 50-75 new items. Also, twice a year, I drove to my sister-in-law's out near Philadelphia for the weekend. Same deal there. She watched the kids, I shopped. Because it's a bigger city, and because it was a long trip, I came home with over 100 new items each time. On a lesser scale, I try to hit the local Goodwill at least once a week, usually while I'm out running other errands or waiting for a guitar or gymnastics lesson to finish up. My Goodwill is pretty small, so each stop is only good for 5 new items at the most.

Now ... about listing ... I am currently trudging through what was 150 pairs of shoes a month ago. Every 2 or 3 days, I grab my Rubbermaid bin and fill it up with however many shoes will fit. Then I spend that morning cleaning and polishing them, that evening taking and editing pics. Then I spend the next early morning listing them all. I do NOT set goals for myself like, "I will list 10 items per day." I'm realistic. I'm a homeschooling mom of 4. I know there will probably be more days than not that I will NOT reach that goal. I have been keeping all of my unlisted inventory in the living room. I think it probably drives my family crazy, but it's right there in front of me all the time, instead of tucked away somewhere. Out of sight, out of mind. This strategy keeps me focused on getting it listed and put away - out of the way!

If you have a less busy life, or fewer items to work through, I would suggest setting a daily number-of-listings goal. If your lifestyle won't allow that, then that's ok! You don't want to set impossible goals for yourself, or you'll get easily discouraged and frustrated with yourself for not reaching your goals.

Start small. Aim for 2 new listings a day. Once you've got that under your belt, aim for 5 a day. Keep increasing it, as long as it's still doable and not interfering with other aspects of your life.

Or another strategy ... fill a box and set a deadline for when it needs done. For example, I will get this box prepped and listed by Thursday.

I've rambled on plenty here. I guess my point is that there are as many different strategies as there are sellers. You'll have to try a couple different goal-setting methods until you find what works best for you. Good luck!