There seems to always be at least one project out there that you just don’t want to do, and it just hangs there on your to do list forever. It might be deep cleaning your refrigerator, cleaning out your email inbox, or decluttering and organizing your garage. It doesn’t matter but when you schedule your time to do it, there is always something else that happens instead.
Know your why
When this happens take time to figure out your whys. Look at why the task was important enough to be on your list in the first place and why you keep avoiding it.
The first why it is on your list is your motivation. You want a clean refrigerator so that you don’t waste food or because you are getting ready for a party and need space in your refrigerator. You want to clean out your inbox because you can’t find important emails among the junk. You want to clean out the garage because you want to park the car in there this winter.
All strong reasons. So why is it not getting done? Once you figure out why you are stuck, set a plan in action to get moving.
Develop a plan
· You feel overwhelmed just thinking about the project. It’s huge and you just don’t have that kind of time. If that’s the problem, then break the project down into doable tasks. Set your timer and work on the refrigerator in 10-to-15-minute blocks of time. Just do one shelf or bin then stop. Just clean out the door and stop. Continue until you are finished.
Set your timer each day and work 10- 15 minutes clearing your inbox.
Divide your garage into zones and just do one zone at a time.
· You keep putting the project off because you feel like you will have time to do it later. It’s still not panic time. If that is what is in your way, go ahead and set an end date on your calendar. Then go back and schedule times to make sure you meet that date. Use your calendar and make real appointment times with yourself.
· You don’t want to do this project if it can’t be perfect and beautiful when you finish. You want to get those cute refrigerator containers, or that book on how to control your inbox, or better shelving for the garage. Learn to embrace “good enough for right now”. Use what you have. Done is better than perfect. You can always go back and do more later.
· It’s just too easy to get distracted from doing this not fun task. If you know this about yourself and this job, get a body-double. Your body-double can be a friend who understands the concept, or · you can hire a professional organizer to sit with you while you work through the process.
Once you push yourself through the process you will feel so relieved. This was not easy for you, but you did it! Reward yourself. Go out to lunch with a friend or take some guilt-free time to read.
If you want help or just some accountability in completing a project, organizing a space in your home, or managing your time join Diane Quintana and me on our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.