Month: August 2018

Stop Procrastinating and Just Get On It!

My name is Kim and I’m a procrastinator.

If you knew me at all, you’d know I live by the following mantra: “I do my best work at the last minute”.  While this may be true, it’s also frustrating and stressful.  The dread that comes along with waiting until the last minute can be debilitating.  Why not just get it done and move on?

I love the feeling of accomplishment – especially when I’ve finished something timely – whether it’s a work project, craft project or something as simple as sending a RSVP to a party or paying a bill.  If I know how glorious it feels to have it behind me, why do I still wait for the last minute?

Some of the reasons I procrastinate are simple.

  1. I don’t want to do the project at all.  There’s an old saying that goes “don’t be good at something you don’t want to do”.  My husband lives by this one when it comes to painting.  Trust me, he is good at painting poorly.
  2. It’s boring and really doesn’t interest me.  Yup.  If I can think of four other things that sound more fun, I’m doing them first.  Wouldn’t it be easier to get the dreaded project over and done with?  Instead I just continue to dread it.
  3. You don’t really have a choice about it.  Work.  Family.  Volunteering.  We all have things we’d rather not do.
  4. Skillset.  What if I can’t complete the project to meet some else’s expectations?  What if it’s not good enough?
  5. Believing that if you ignore it, it will go away.  Ha.  Not likely. (Well, except for your teeth – don’t ignore those).
  6. The need to be perfect.  This blog is a really good example of that one.  I started this blog about six years ago but I was so worried it wouldn’t be good enough, I did very little – well, except for paying money to maintain it.

I have even developed a coping strategy when I’m trying to motivate myself to “get it done”.  I will sit on the couch/chair/bed and tell myself “I’m thinking”.  No, really.  I do.  Sometimes I “think” for days.

Then I read the book “The 5 Second Rule” by Mel Robbins. Such a simple idea, but one that really works. Those five numbers are life changing and it’s hard to talk yourself out of getting up and getting going after using them.

Here are a few things that have helped me to stop procrastinating and get to the place of accomplishment.

  1. Make a plan of attack and actually schedule it on your calendar.
  2. Refrain from overthinking.  Guilty!  I overthink EVERYTHING.
  3. Set a goal and a reward for getting it done.  Once it’s finished, treat yourself to something that makes you happy.  It can be food, a shopping trip or a day at the lake.
  4. Take small steps.  Maybe you set aside 30 minutes a day to work on the project and continue to do so until it’s finished.  Remember to schedule it on your calendar and stick to it.
  5. Be realistic.  Perhaps you aren’t about to write the next chapter of “War and Peace”.  Perhaps you don’t need to.
  6. Gather everything you need to complete the project.  You’re less likely to lose momentum if it’s all at hand.
  7. Change your attitude and don’t be afraid to try something different.
  8. Most importantly, give yourself a break – literally and figuratively.  Sometimes a walk around the block can give you new perspective and renewed motivation.

I am definitely a work-in-progress when he comes to being motivated to finish a project or do what is expected of me, but by reminding myself of the greatest reward, the feeling of accomplishment, I’ve been much more successful in keeping the ‘ol “procrastin-gator” at bay.

What tips do you have to stop procrastinating in your life?

Shelf Decor Made Simple

Floating shelves are everywhere these days.  They serve a purpose or they are strictly for display.  They can be changed on a whim or by the season.  I really wish I was one those people that could change their shelf displays by the month.  I don’t have the patience or mental capacity for that!  If you are one of those, kudos to you!  I’m envious.

These shelves were intentional as part of the design of my family room/fireplace wall.  I wanted them to be lighted and I wanted them to be substantial.  The company that built my dark cabinetry, also built these gorgeous shelves.  Even though they are wall to wall, they are still considered floating.

The second thing to consider was what I already owned.  I always shop my house before making additional purchases.  You’d be surprised how something “old” can have new life in a new place.

Thirdly, I will shop to fill in holes that are left.  I NEVER pay full price for home decor.  Thrift stores, antique shops and coupons are plentiful.

Half of what I added was from what I already owned with some additional pieces added inexpensively from Gordmans, Hobby Lobby and Pier One. I love the basket at the bottom for throws and blankets, to be used as needed. That space is otherwise, unused and looked bare.

Before starting the arrangement, I gather everything I plan to use plus some additional pieces.  It’s always better to have more than not enough.  You’ll notice I used frames for color and added scrapbook paper for another dimension or until I can decide what I want to put in them later.  Frames are really easy to come by and are paintable, if you so desire.

I do swap a few pieces during the holiday season, but most of the time, I leave this as is – besides then I can ignore the dust, right?