Organizing Tip No. 28
If you're struggling with motivation to tackle organizing/decorating projects in your home, simply plan a party or invite a friend to visit in 4 weeks.
Some of you may think I'm kidding, but you must know that I'm entirely serious! This is the best little tip for motivating oneself to wrap up all those projects you want to complete, but are not entirely motivated to do so. You may also be wondering why I chose a specific time frame (4 weeks). Well, a month seems to be the perfect amount of time for this type of thing for a couple of reasons; one, because it's close enough that you feel a sense of urgency. And two, it's still a reasonable amount of time to tie up loose ends; and we all know that the secret to accomplishing goals is to make them reasonable to achieve.
Last month I penned a baby shower on my calendar and also found out that a good friend was coming for a visit (double dose of fun!) and I surprised myself at how quickly and efficiently I began plowing through all the little projects I've put on the back burner for months. I finally redeemed my custom framing groupon, picked up a small piece of furniture on Craigslist (and sold a few things on C-list too), placed a tree in my living room, moved around some furniture and art, and bought some much-needed lamps for our bedroom nightstands. The momentum is building and I am feeling much happier in my own home as a result. I can't help but wonder why I didn't do this sooner?
27 / 26 / 25 / 24 / 23 / 22 / 21 / 20 / 19 / 18 / 17 {never published...oops!}
16 / 15 / 14 / 13 / 12 / 11 / 10 / 9 / 8 / 7 / 6 / 5 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1
images from my oldest daughter's "San Francisco" party and my other daughter's "Hot Air Balloon" party
I couldn't agree more! Planning a party or expecting house guests are the best motivators!
ReplyDeleteI do this exact same thing! I often invite friends and family over for dinner knowing it will give me a push to get my house in order. My only advice would be to not try and do something too extensive. (like painting an entire room or renovating your house haha!)
ReplyDeleteSo true...I have babies (yes, plural) in utero, that will also work as motivation. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and it works for me too!!
ReplyDeleteAh ha! I'm in good company :)
ReplyDeleteYou are BRILLIANT! Love this post & this whole idea. Such a good way to get yourself to tackle some projects.
ReplyDeleteOkay, this is so terribly true. Just he other day I did a sweeping clean since there was going to be a church meeting held at my house. Just before they arrived I looked at my husband and said 'Man, it's great when people come over.'
ReplyDeletethis advice is so true! i have done the same thing to help get projects done.
ReplyDeleteThis is my biggest driver...I love it when people come over...there is quite a bit of pressure but oh! the stuff I can accomplish. :)
ReplyDeletelove it!! THIS is what i do! I joke with my hubby...the house is a mess, let's have a dinner party. I need to have stay over guests to REALLY tackle the guest bathroom. haha, love this post:)
ReplyDeletejennifer
I saw a chair like your dining room chairs at the TJMaxx in Edmonds for $80. Thought of you.
ReplyDeleteI love that we are all on the same wavelength here...now every time I plan a get together or host a guest from out-of-town, I'll think of you all! Ha!
ReplyDeleteAnon, I totally just called the TJMAXX in Edmonds to see if they had any left...sadly they did not :( Someone sure got lucky!
Your home looked amazing by the way ;)
ReplyDelete