Summer is halfway over and I still have a number of projects that I plan on completing. The problem with those projects is they have been "weekend projects" for quite some time now. Recently I decided that I needed to take a different approach if I was serious about getting them done. Initially my approach was thinking "hmm I need to get that done this weekend". Yep that was it, LOL. I kept my list in my brain and counted on myself to stick to it. I failed miserably! I now have a plan of attack and get this....it's actually working! Sticking to these will not only help you in getting your projects finished but may also free up time to just sit around and enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Write them down!
This one is easy to do. You literally need to get these on paper and placed in plain sight.The fridge or a bathroom mirror is a good place. Somewhere where it will be in your face. Writing it down moves it from your mind and a little closer to reality. If you take out the time to write AND put them up you are moving in the direction.
Prioritize by size
By this I mean put your smaller projects at the top and knock those out first. Doing this does a couple of things. First, it helps you move quicker. If your projects are small you can most likely knock one or two out in just an afternoon. As a result your list will become shorter in no time. Checking those projects off your list will hopefully give you the encouragement needed to attack the larger projects.
Assign a specific time
This step helps you think your projects all of the way through. You'll have to think step by step what you'll need to do to accomplish them. For example, if one project is to clean out your closet you'll need to decide what you are going to do with the clothes you are getting rid of. Are you donating them? Selling them? Will you be getting rid of shoes as well? Do you need more hangers or storage? Maybe this project is more like a 2 hour job than a one hour job. Assign a specific time like noon till 2pm. Trust me this is one step closer to getting it done.
Gather everything you need during the week
So here is where you make a stop on the way home from work during the week to gather everything you will need. This leaves less for you to do on the actual day of your project. The down side about waiting until the day of is by the time you are finished gathering what you need, you've used half of the energy you could have put towards actually working on your project. If you grab things here and there during the week then all you have left to do is literally the project itself. So if you are doing a painting project, grab your paint, brushes, painters tape and tarp during the week. Boom! Half the battle is over.
Get help!
Hey never be too proud to ask for help for your bigger projects. Sometimes all you need is the company to distract you from all of the work. If your kids are anything like mine they'd be happy to help! If not, then offer lunch or some sort of incentive for whoever is helping. Make sure you mention the incentive when asking for help. People like to be rewarded!
Enjoy!
Seriously....enjoy! When I am completing a project I either turn on a movie or some good music from my early 20's that will distract me. If you go into it dreading every moment it will only make it worse. Know that you have a goal, plan it out and think about how GREAT you'll feel when you are finished!
With these tips you should have no problem getting your weekend projects complete! Good Luck!
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