image credit: Matt Reinbold

It’s tempting for people to obsess over tools instead of what they’re going to do with those tools. Many amateur golfers think they need expensive clubs. But it’s the swing that matters, not the club. Give Tiger Woods a set of cheap clubs and he’ll still destroy you. People use equipment as a crutch. They don’t want to put in the hours on the driving range so they spend a ton in the pro shop. They’re looking for a shortcut. But you just don’t need the best gear in the world to be good. And you definitely don’t need it to get started.   Gear Doesn’t Matter ~ Rework

No matter what tools we have at our disposal they won’t help us accomplish a single thing unless we’re willing to work. Sure, the right tools can make the job easier but that assumes elbow-grease as a major ingredient. I haven’t found a tool yet that will get my butt out of bed in the morning and into the gym at a time when joe-public is deep into REM mode. Even the alarm clock depends upon me to set it the night before and once it goes off I still have to do the heavy lifting to get myself perpendicular.

A determined soul will do more with a rusty monkey wrench than a loafer will accomplish with all the tools in a machine shop. ~ Robert Hughes

So let’s be clear, these resources are for one purpose- to help you and I do the work.

Goal Setting Tools to Help with Tasks & To-Do Lists:

Here are 2 of the simplest to use tools for task lists. They’re both easy to use and can be accessed from any Internet connection via web browser or a mobile device. I’ve used both services and have to say they’re both great apps.

• BackPack
  In typical 37signals fashion, you get a simple tool with almost no learning curve to help you get started creating lists that you can quickly check off as you complete them. You can also setup automated reminders to be sent to your mobile phone or email address and sync with your calendar if you’d like. They offer a scaled down version that’s free (no calendaring), or a very affordable premium version that has a few more features. http://backpackit.com
• Remember the Milk
  In their own words – “Never forget the milk (or anything else) again.” A slick tool that can provide reminders to you however you want them (phone, chat, email, etc.) with cool map integration if you need it, which could be helpful if you wanted to batch your tasks by locations. http://www.rememberthemilk.com

Goal Setting Tools to Help You Focus Better:

• JOTT
  Focusing requires setting aside distractions. Has this ever happened to you- you’re trying to focus on something like writing an article and all of a sudden “BAM!” a great (and unrelated) idea refuses to remain silent? Or you’re driving to work when all of a sudden you remember that you need to make an appointment but of course it’s too early or the person isn’t available at this time, so you need a reminder to do it later. What do you do? My absolute favorite tool for helping me situations like this is JOTT because I can simply hit a speed dial number on my phone, create an email, add an action item to a list, or set a reminder or appointment by voice. It’s quick, simple, and only requires one hand. http://jott.com
• Pomodoro Timer
  I use this on my MAC to block off a chunk of time to write or program. It’s a lot like setting an oven timer, except it can log your time blocks for you. By default the time is set to 25 minutes but I’ve found that 45 minutes is ideal for most of my activities, especially those that require a bit more time to get into the flow. Writing and programming can often take 10-20 minutes for me to really get into the groove so I’ve found this to work best for me.
  MAC Version: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/development_tools/pomodoro.html
  PC and MAC: http://www.focusboosterapp.com
• Noise canceling headphones
  block out the distractions with a pair of noise canceling headphones. Music can help or hinder. It really depends on the task. Either way though, the noise canceling aspect of the headphones can work wonders when you need to turn down the distractions.
• Pull the Plug
  Although not a tool, here’s great tip from “the Power of Less” – simply, pull the plug. Go offline and work.

Tools to Help You Record Your Goals & Get Support from Others:

Accountability can make a big difference. Knowing that your goals are public and that other people are aware of what you’ve committed to doing will often make it much easier to stay the course. So here are a couple of free tools to do just that.

• 43things
  43things provides a place to record your goals and connect with others that are trying to achieve the same thing or something very similar. You can also invite other people to join you on a goal. I have yet to use the free service but it sounds like a great way to write out your goals and get support. http://www.43things.com
• Joe’s Goals
  Joe’s Goal’s is simple and popular web-based tool for tracking habitual routine tasks like how many times you’ve worked out for the week, worked on your novel or practiced your golf swing. If it’s a task that you need to do repetitively to reach your goal, here’s a simple way to record and score your actions. http://www.joesgoals.com

Goal Setting Tools for Strategy & Motivation:

Sometimes we need a little motivation. Like a good cup o’ joe in the morning an inspiring video or book can often provide the equivalent of an espresso shot.
Just be careful that you don’t get sucked down the rabbit trail of endless watching and reading without doing. Remember the purpose is to get you moving!

BOOK RESOURCES:

• Getting Things Done
  David Allen has truly made productivity an art. He does a great job of laying out a practical system for outlining projects, setting goals, and determining next actions. http://tinyurl.com/ygkvub6
• The Power of Less
  A great book for simplifying, streamlining, and focusing on what matters. Easy to read and full of great tips for focusing on your goals and inching towards them, one success step at a time. I highly recommend it.  http://thepowerofless.com

• Unleash the Warrior Within: Develop the Focus, Discipline, Confidence, and Courage You Need to Achieve Unlimited Goals
  Richard “Mack” Machowicz, former Navy SEAL and founder of the Bukido Training System, a self-protection program, pulls no punches and tells it like it is when it comes to facing your fears and knocking down your targets. This book is both motivational and strategic. http://www.bukido.com/thebook.html

READ
Goal Setting part 1: I Confess, My Goals Suck!
Goal Setting part 2: Rock n Roll Goal Setting Lessons