Have you felt frustrated or overwhelmed with projects you have wanted to complete? There are many ways to complete cleaning tasks and home projects successfully. I recently read an article on how powerful it can be to “finish” something, especially in our homes. When I thought about this, I felt there was a much more powerful word, “complete.” Successful home projects, including cleaning and organizing projects, will feel good with this one thing: completion!
When you are tired of your day-to-day tasks and chores, you can decide you are “finished.” You don’t want to do anymore. But is it complete? Are the dishes complete, or did you leave the pans? Is the laundry complete, or did you decide not to put away the folded clothes? You may feel like you have had enough and are done, but what remains to be completed is in the back of your mind. There is an amazing feeling everyone gets when something is completed. It’s a great habit to teach our kids and a great habit to retrain ourselves if we do not complete things.
It’s a question that every family member can ask themselves, “Is this complete?”
This can be applied to anything and stop procrastination in its tracks. It will remain your choice whether or not you will follow through, but if you keep this question in the back of your mind, it can give you the extra push you need to complete any task you have at home or work. You may need to break down a larger project, but having a plan, like a to-do list, lets you know that completion will happen and you will reach your goals while creating awesome new habits!
What will help you to complete things is to create a plan in the beginning to create the new habit, both kids and adults. Families can do this together and make it super fun planning, checking off the accomplishments, and enjoying the results!
7 Steps To Plan tasks and home projects
1. Set Clear Goals and Priorities
Whether it’s day-to-day tasks that need to be done or specific larger projects, setting clear goals will help to plan for completion. Plan the more important tasks first, then break down the remaining tasks or projects into smaller steps. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks can make them less overwhelming.
2. Create a Schedule
Creating a cleaning and home project schedule can help to stay on track and hopefully eliminate procrastination. Set specific times or days for these tasks that fit your family schedule, and stick to your schedule as much as possible. A visible list or calendar will help the family stay on track and work together.
3. Use Time Management Techniques
Working in smaller chunks, like 15-30 minutes, then taking 5-10 minute breaks, can help improve focus and prevent procrastination. Play around with the length of time to see what works best for you and your brain. Ideas to help include timers, cleaning for 5-6 songs, or organizing for two podcast episodes.
4. Eliminate Distractions
Identify and eliminate any distractions you know could easily change your focus away from the task you are working on. It’s different for everyone. This may include creating a clutter-free workspace if you are trying to focus at your desk on a project. However, if you are sorting or folding clothes, having music may help you focus and keep tasks going.
5. Start Small
Begin with a small, manageable task that you can complete quickly. Build the project muscle! This can give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to tackle more significant projects. This applies to kids and adults. We all want to feel good about our work and what we can complete. This can give us momentum!
6. Visualize the End Result
Imagine how your home will look and feel once the cleaning or project is completed. Picturing that can get excited and give us momentum. Visualizing the result can be a powerful motivator!
7. Reward Yourself or Family
Create a system of rewards for completing tasks. It doesn’t have to be a big reward. After finishing a cleaning or home project, treat yourself to something you enjoy, like a favorite snack, a short break, or fun games with the family.
Conclusion
What can your family commit to completing? The dishes each night? The laundry each week? Picking up each night?
If you follow the above suggestions, set goals, and create a plan, you and your family will improve at setting goals, working consistently, and following through to completion. Getting a daily routine may take some time, but don’t give up on yourself or your family.
I’d love to hear what you choose to commit to completing!
