Inside: It’s easier to start a DIY project it’s much more difficult to finish. Use these 5 simple tips to finish every DIY project you start.
It takes little effort to dream about your bathroom remodel. You can even smell the cotton candy bubble bath. But just the thought of being on all fours, removing that wretched old orange tile you break into a sweat and your back spasms.
Here’s the challenge.
Dreaming only gets you so far; you must take action to get results. Starting and finishing a project is a common struggle among DIYers.
Getting started is usually easier than finishing, but when you easily get distracted, multitask and work on too many things at once, and life and work get in the way it’s difficult to finish any one project.
Although it’s challenging there is a way through to the finish line.
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No matter if you are tiling a bathroom, painting a wall or building an end table, here are 5 simple tips to help you start and finish every DIY project.
1. Research your DIY Project
Before you start any DIY project do your research. Study what has worked, learn different techniques to use, and mistakes to avoid. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Learn from others who have gone before you then add your own personal touch to the project. Understand the amount of time, money, tools, and skills involved in the project. This way you won’t have any surprises and improve the likelihood you will finish the project.
Keep in mind that even if you do your due diligence with research, DIY is not perfect. Complications and imperfections still occur. Even the most experienced DIYer makes mistakes and encounters problems. Learn to accept imperfections and grow your skills through the DIY learning process.
2. Start Small at First
DIY can be intimidating and overwhelming especially when you’re first starting out. In the beginning, start with small projects to grasp basic skills and grow your confidence. Then advance to more complicated and larger projects when you’re comfortable.
When you’re overwhelmed with tackling a big project and you can’t bring yourself to start, break your project plan (#3) down into smaller steps. Complete a couple of steps on the list and you will get a boost of motivation and momentum to drive you to the next step, then on to complete the project.
3. Have a Plan
Before you start any project create a plan for the number of supplies, materials, tools, budget, and time needed for completion. Include measurements of the space and finished project, drawings, and a shopping list. A plan lays out the details and the steps of your process. It prevents multiple trips to the hardware store, avoids mistakes, saves you time and gives you confidence, making it more likely you will complete your project.
4. Limit Your Options
“I need to choose one of these seven floor tiles and one of these ten paint colors for my bathroom.” Analysis paralysis keeps you from starting and finishing projects with deeper roots of perfectionism to further cause a delay. With so many possible options your brain gets overwhelmed.
You become paralyzed with fear and pressure that your decision will not yield perfect results. Ease the brain pain and limit your options to three. Pick three tiles, three paint colors, and test them in your house. It will be easier to make decisions and you can move quickly to taking action on your project.
5. Create Accountability
Part of the struggle with starting and finishing a project is a lack of accountability. As a solo DIYer there is usually no team, teacher or boss holding you to a deadline. Just because DIY means do it yourself, doesn’t mean you have to do it by yourself. Here are a few examples of how you can create accountability to help you achieve your project goals:
- Have a plan (#3)
- Pick a deadline
- Schedule time in your calendar to work on the project
- Share your completion date and details of your project with a friend or family member
- Declare and share your planned project and completion date on social media
- Enlist a friend working on a project and keep each other accountable to the finish line
Follow these 5 steps to put your dreaming into doing and make a commitment to follow through on your projects until completion.
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