apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

First off I make a list of things I need to get done in say, a three day period. Then I start out with a few small things, like putting away the dishes and starting a load of laundry. The feeling of crossing a small task or two off my to-do list is enough motivation to tackle something bigger. Also, a small task isn't as daunting as a huge one so its easier to get in "busy mode" with a few things that only take a few minutes.

I wish I knew how to get myself psyched up. I need to paint my kitchen cabinets. Usually, I just find myself in the mood to get something done and then I do it. I would like to discover what triggers that inspired feeling, but I have yet to do so.

I might try rvalexa's list method.

Swanroad, how about breaking up the big task into many small manageable tasks?

And give yourself time limits too, so you don't burn out.

Day one: Remove all doors.
Day two: Remove all hardware (pulls, knobs, hinges) and set aside to clean
Day three: Clean hardware

One part is DONE now! Yay!

Day four: Clean all exterior surfaces of cabinets (leave the doors alone).
Day five: This day you might lightly sand the exterior of the cabinets (leave the doors alone) and wipe down.
Day six: Paint cabinet exteriors (leave the doors alone)

Another part is done, unless you need more than one coat. If you need a second coat, then that would be day seven.

Then you can begin the process of the doors...clean all doors first. And that is all, for that day. Because you want the wood (if they are wood) to dry (if you used soap and water to clean).

Next day you can do some sanding, if needed.

And that first day of the door painting, you might want to do the EDGES first, by placing the door flat on some smaller surface so you can access the edges and wipe off any dribbles.

If you do the edges last, any dribbles will get on your FINISHED paint job making it NOT finished.

Inside surface of the doors next day.

And last is the outside of the doors.

That's less than two weeks.

And some days your task won't take a long time.

Think of any massive project, tall buildings, bridges. Those things are not made overnight. They are done a bit at a time. And each person has a manageable task to do.

You're the ONLY one doing this task, and there are MANY different jobs to do. But breaking them up into "all of this on this day" makes it seem easier. Because it IS easier.

This might seem silly, but I write a to-do list with tiny things on it (as well as my big tasks) so I have the satisfaction of crossing things off often.

As far as psyching myself up for a big project, I do prep work that means I MUST finish the project in a timely manner. Like, taking off the shower doors to grout the tile - I can't shower until those doors are back on, so I have to GET TO IT!

Also, put mag pics on the fridge or wall of beautiful tiled floors or rooms that inspire you. Constantly being reminded of the project, and seeing the finished piece, will make you want to get the work done.

I seem to finally get to projects when my husband is going to be out of town for a few days. I just get up early in the morning, and work, work, work, until my feet and back hurts. My obsessive compulsive personality won't let me do small tasks over the course of weeks. Once I start a project, I want it done as quickly as possible:)

We bought a house last year that has a lot of projects that can be very overwhelming. I seem to get a lot done when I have a party planned. That way I have a goal and a time frame to get things done before my friends see my house again.

Group Cures here on AT have been very motivating!

I reach a point with certain house projects where I can't deal with the present situation/object/status quo one minute longer and that also gets me going.

I agree with the comments above that breaking it down makes starting all the more easier.

It's a long weekend (kinda) in Canada this coming weekend and we're tearing our old fence down and hopefully, will be on our way to putting the new one up.

What's motivating me is that we have friends coming over to help. We have a rotating yard work party and we all get together and help each other out with the lubrication of beverages and the promise of a big dinner at the end. At least this way, it doesn't feel like we're missing out on too much because we're still spending time with friends.

I use the same method as Oandel. Invite a bunch of friends over. This is especially useful if you start a project and lose your motivation to complete it. It forces you to finish it up before the guests arrive.