Do you find you put off doing things that you don't
like or don't want to do? Like clearing out the clutter and getting things
organised? Do you say I'll do that sometime....' and then never get round to it?
Procrastination is something we are ALL good at! Here are a few ways to help
you to trick yourself into clearing the decks and getting things done
Plan each day the
evening before. Write a list of what MUST be
done (or else something bad might happen), what NEEDS to be done (it could happen
tomorrow but nothing bad will happen if it doesn't) and what COULD be
done if there's plenty of time and you've done all the musts' and the needs'
When are you at your best? Are you a morning person
or a night owl? Plan to do the most difficult tasks when you have the most energy and your mind is at its
sharpest
Is the task too big or overwhelming? Break it down
into smaller chunks. What is the first step towards getting it done? Simply
take the first step. When a task is lots of small tasks it doesn't seem so
daunting
Imagine what life will be like when the job is done.
How pleased will you be? What will it feel like when it isn't overpowering you
any more? How will it look, how will you be able to tell when it is done? Building
a great picture of how things will be when it is all completed will inspire you
to move forward and not feel so threatened by the enormity of the task
Put a stop to distractions and interruptions. Turn the phone to answering
machine, switch off your email, don't answer the door and turn off the TV. Remove
what ever might distract you and you will be able to concentrate on the job at hand
Work on a chore when you are
well rested, have eaten and are fit enough to complete it. Attempting any work
when you are feeling lousy will never get the job done and give you an excuse
not to bother finishing
Be prepared. Get everything ready
that you need to do the job properly. Clear a space, have all the tools and equipment
on standby, be in the right clothing (for mucky work) and you will be ready for
anything!
Tell someone close that you
are going to do this job. Give them permission to keep asking you if you have started/finished
it yet? Tell them when you are going to do it and when they can come and see it
completed
Don't seek perfection. Good enough is good enough. You can go back and add
finishing touches or add improvements when you have the time later.
Perfectionism not laziness is the greatest reason for never starting something
Give yourself a pat on the back for actually getting started and getting something done. Build in treats along
the way; a coffee break after an hour, a piece of chocolate after lunch or a
favourite movie when the job is finished. By the same token don't allow yourself
rewards if you don't get started!
Avoid working too hard and
too long. If you wear yourself out and leave the job with a feeling of
exhaustion and feeling drained you won't look forward to doing any more tasks
in future
Delegate where you can.
Could someone else do this job or part of it? Are you the ONLY person who can
do this job? Sharing a chore can be much more fun and you could swap time with
a friend and help them out with a decluttering task too
Make the taks as much fun as possible. Put on some lively music, open the
windows and get some fresh air, be creative and make it a game (especially when
getting children to help)
Don't give up! We all have off
days and sometime it just isn't the right time to be climbing up into the loft
or delving into the depths of the garage. Plan the right time and you will have
a good time!
Copyright Space Organising Angie Griffin 2010. All rights reserved
I have had so many complimentary comments about the pictures in the Gallery on the website. Some of you want to know more about the lovely houses and gardens featured there. I hope you are inspired by these photographs and enjoy stealing a few tips for your own home
You can view all the notes describing the Photo Gallery here
