Do you have a lot of unfinished projects? You’re not alone.
It’s easy to lose momentum somewhere between Pinterest and picking up the paint brush, because we get stuck in indecision or in not knowing where or how to start. So, today I want to teach you a strategy for bringing your vision to reality.
How to Tackle DIY Projects
The secret to starting and finishing your next DIY project is to break it down into manageable tasks. I’ve used this strategy on everything from settling into a new home, to redesigning a room to organizing the house.
Break It Down
Example 1
If you put “paint the kitchen cabinets” on your to-do list, you’re going to find that “to-do” being bumped to the next week, then the next, to the week after that because the task is too vague and involves a lot of steps.
So, instead, approach the project one step at a time. Decide when you want the project to be finished, making sure you take into account your schedule and availability. Then, make a list of all the steps to complete the project and schedule each step on your calendar.
Step 1: pick out paint color
Step 2: buy the paint
Step 3: prep cabinets
Step 4: prime
Step 5: paint first coat
Step 6: allow first coat to dry
Step 7: sand between coats
Step 8: wipe the cabinets
Step 9: paint second coat
and so on. Allow as much time as you need between steps while also keeping your finish date in mind.
Example 2
Let’s use a current example from my home. I’m in the process of turning an unused bedroom into a study. A week ago, we moved some items out of the room and into the hallway to make room for a desk. A storage unit, a t.v. , a luggage rack, and a vintage suitcase are still sitting in the hallway because I’m not sure what I’m going to do with everything in the hallway. I am sure I want the storage unit in the closet. So, I’m going to start there. My steps will look something like this:
Step 1: empty closet
Step 2: move the storage unit into the closet
Step 3: decide what to keep in the closet and how it should be stored
Step 4: sort closet contents
Step 5: donate or throw away what I’m not keeping
Step 6: organize what I am keeping
Then, I’ll hang pictures and put the finishing touches on the room.
2 Helpful Hints for Getting Unstuck
It’s normal to get stuck at some point in a project. In that case, I’ve found two approaches to be very helpful. I hinted at the first one when I mentioned starting with putting the storage unit in the closet and it is this: go with what you know. You only need to know the very next step. Taking that action always, always reveals the next step.
The next step sounds contradictory to the first, but sometimes it’s necessary in discovering what the very next step is. I suggest stepping away for a bit and taking time to reassess, gather ideas and make decisions. Once you’ve gained clarity, just for the next step not necessarily the entire project, get back into it, and go with what you know.
Before you know it, you will have turned your vision into a reality, bringing you one project closer to creating a home and life you love.
See you in class,
p.s. I created a Cheat Sheet version of this post to have on hand for your next DIY project. Get your Cheat Sheet here.
Jennifer says
Very good tidbits and suggestions that I personally should follow. I often get so excited about a redo I am working on that I overlook the planning and prep process then get frustrated when I have to run to the hardware store a gazillion times, which also slows me down and makes me even more aggitated. LOL If you break it down into more manageable tasks it is more enjoyable and actually gets done a lot quicker! Thanks for sharing!
Sharon ت says
Jennifer, I know exactly what you mean. That’s normally how I approach projects too. I just learned these tips from my training with Stella & Dot. I implemented time-blocking into my schedule and had one of the most productive, focused weeks I’ve had in a very long time. Next week will be my first attempt at breaking a big project up into manageable tasks. I did do that with a smaller project this week (the basket copy cat) and it went very smoothly. Good luck to you!
Inspired By Family Mag says
Hi Sharon, It’s Mari from Inspired by Family. For some reason I had you down for participating on our Back to School Challenge. Is that correct? I went looking for an email with you confirming and I can’t find it so now I am confused. Did you confirm that you were participating or did I make that up, lol?
Sharon ت says
No, you didn’t make that up. You did get a confirmation email from me. I am just tardy in getting the money into your paypal, but will take care of it immediately. Thanks for checking with me. I am looking forward to the Back to School challenge. I’m so glad to be a part of it.