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Loving What You Do, Chores Included!

All you out there with dishes in the sink and dirty clothes on the floor! It’s there because you don’t like doing it… even though you love how it feels when it’s done.

I’ve got two hefty questions that the majority of you will answer “No” and “No” to:

  1. “Do you love household chores?”
  2. “Do you love adding tasks to your ToDo list?”

Big questions because, after-all, it’s hard enough to MANAGE our household… LOVE it? P-L-E-A-S-E. Let’s all share a virtual shrug together.

But, really, why don’t we love household chores? Try this activity and discover for yourself:

  1. Pick a household chore that you procrastinate about.
  2. Right NOW tell yourself to do the chore.
  3. Now, notice all the reasons you’re telling yourself why you can’t do it right now.
  4. Notice all the reasons you’re telling yourself why you don’t want to do it right now.
  5. Notice all of the reasons you’re telling yourself that you SHOULD do it right now.
  6. Now, visualize yourself doing the chore –Notice all your negative self talk while DOING the chore.

Most of us will have engaged in a self-argument about the chore. And, in the visualization you likely thought about how much you hate the chore, should have done it sooner and how much you’ll hate the next one.

Gosh, just writing this I feel drained.

Lets bring the “loving it” part into the doing it:

Below are some tips for today’s woman on how to keep the rhythm of your life moving along while staying organized – and feeling good about it!

1.) Decide what’s a “now task” and what’s a “for later” project.

Glance around for “now tasks” – what can you put away, give a quick wipe? Car keys in hand? Grab the kitchen trash before you go. Save the projects that require concentration for later – like ironing, paying bills, your work schedule. Cook meals that you can store, heat and eat later in the week. We can’t always handle the big jobs this second, but it’s great to clear the clutter from our space and our minds!

2.) Assume a “Just Do It!” attitude.

Immediately, without another thought, right now, complete one task of you list. No! Don’t THINK about it, get up and DO it. Pick ANYTHING on your list and do it right now. I’ll wait.

How’d it go? How do you feel? It wasn’t as bad as you feared, was it? And, I’ll bet you feel REALLY good right now. Each day, commit to using “Just Do It!” for one task on your list and remember the great feelings you feel right now. Anchor these positive feelings with positive acknowlegements for a job well done. As you get on top of things, put together a “Just Do It” list for up to 5 priorities each day.

3.) Spot clean as you go.

You’ve finished up lunch with five minutes to spare. What about those dirty plates? Grab the sponge for a quick scrub-and-rinse? Or do you tackle a heap of dirty dishes at 9:30 p.m.? “Spot cleaning” really cuts down on the amount of elbow grease you’re exerting at the end of a tough day! Get to loving those crumb-free counters and corners without cobwebs.

4.) Don’t let the laundry languish.

One sock on the floor becomes two socks on the floor. Add your PJ’s and that skirt you tried on… next thing you know it’s an unsightly heap in the corner and you have “nothing to wear!” If it’s not soiled, fold it back up and put it away. Worn items get tossed in the hamper. You’ll cut down on the amount of wash, save money on hot water AND feel less “clueless” in your own closet!

5.) Reward yourself for doing the things you don’t enjoy doing.

Then REALLY associate the good feelings of the reward with the DOING of the chore. As you are out having fun or spending time with a friend, notice how good you feel and remember yourself DOING the chore. Maybe the reward is having a friend stop by for coffee later on tonight! Feels good to have the place in order and a little crumb cake in the pantry, right?

6.) Use perspective.

Above all, know that none of this will really matter in ten years. Yet by creating an organized and clean environment, you may feel more fulfilled and happier today.

One final question for you: “How much do you LOVE placing check-marks on your ToDo list?” Go get ‘em!

Aspire fearlessly,

Comment on this question:

What do YOU procrastinate about?


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5 Comments »

  • Susan,

    These are great tips. Had a little conversation with the boyfriend the other day about keeping up with the house. We are both so busy right now and we talked about the “spot cleaning” technique you mentioned. If you use a dish please either give it a quick wash or put it in the dishwasher.

    I am always amazed by the simple things like bending over to pick up that sock and put it in the laundry basket or hamper. hmmmm what did that take 15 seconds. Then I think why did I walk over it or see it there 20 times before I picked it up when it took a second to do it and I feel so much better now that it’s off the floor.

    I read this book once about an Amish family and their lifestyle. What I walked away with from this book is to really work on being present even when doing the dishes. If you are doing the dishes be there. We spend so much of our days waiting for the next thing, biding our time. Well guess what, this is our time. You know what I mean?

    Next time you do the dishes, be present, feel the warm soapy water in your hands, put on some music perhaps, feel how good it feels to create a clean environment.

    Thanks for ideas, I have to go pick up a few things :-)

    Warmly,
    Dianne

    [Reply]

    Life Coach Susan Reply:

    Simple steps are indeed powerful!
    One step here… another step there and before we know it, we’ve walked a mile!

    :) Susan

    [Reply]

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