The winter months have been long. Maybe you are feeling like you need some fresh new ideas to give you a jumpstart around your home. Here a few favourites from Heart of the Matter!
Adopt a plan of zone cleaning
How do busy families keep on top of the house?
Look at the calendar. There are usually 5 weeks in a month.
Divide your house into 5 zones (taking into account the short weeks)
Make a master list of everything that you’d like to do in a particular zone (i.e. light fixture, curtains, walls, scrub floor etc.)
Put the list in a page protector. As you do items in each zone check them off. Next month pick up where you left off.
Get all members of the family on board to help.
(Credit for this great idea goes to Marla The Fly Lady)
Don’t put if off until tomorrow
Procrastination is a habit, not a flaw in your character. Most of us do not welcome change easily, but we will benefit greatly from becoming willing to develop new habits to overcome procrastination. Here are a few ideas to help with this challenge.
- Remember that it is motivation that gets you started and habits that keep you going. Resolve to get started. What kind of a reward can you give yourself just for getting started? Often starting is the biggest hurdle to get over!
- Put your goals in writing. Prioritize them.
- Write out a plan for yourself and make a realistic schedule.
- Break up your projects into small pieces and avoid “all or nothing” thinking. *Personally I think this is the the step that can have the most impact on your success!
- Procrastination often comes from perfectionism. We often procrastinate because we are challenged with doing things perfectly.
“Perfection is the worst enemy of good enough” ~ Anonymous
Partner with a friend and ask for help.
If you are having a hard time motivating yourself to organize, perhaps a friend, family member or co-worker could help. Could you barter with them? Could you set-up a plan to be accountable to each other? Get creative! If what you’ve been trying isn’t working…..try something new.
Many people think it’s easier to just do everything themselves. Unfortunately, you can’t do everything yourself and give everything 100%.
Delegating means giving someone else a task that you don’t have time to do. You train the person how to do it and you follow up to ensure it is being done correctly. Select the appropriate person to whom the assignment will be given. Ensure that person has the time, tools and the skill to do what you need done correctly and in a timely manner.
If your default setting is “do it yourself”……consider sharing the load. Think about ways you can partner with family or friends to accomplish your projects.
Once the task is completed, a word of thanks, a small gift or a handwritten note go a long way in showing your appreciation. Plus…..you’ll motivate them to want to do more!
If you need an accountability partner send me an email message with your plan, and I’d be more than happy to check in with you on the dates you request.