Now that you are retired, do you see projects everywhere you look? Most houses are a work in progress and those Do It Yourself (DIY) projects can take over your life. It is tempting to start one project and then another, without ever finishing anything.
Whatever your project, following these general tips can help. When you start a new project, whether small or large, it is helpful to think it through and see what steps are needed to complete it. Getting started is sometimes a big obstacle but if you take time to plan it out, you’ll be more likely to get it done. Finishing that project can be an even bigger obstacle, so planning along with a realistic timeframe is important.
Tip #1: Start with the end result in mind and work backwards.
What do you want the finished product to look like? What are the steps you have to take to make that happen? This will work for the smallest project to the biggest. For example, you want a clean, organized closet. Look in the closet and envision how you want it to look at the end. Do you need new shelving? Should you remove, discard, or relocate items? Are some items more accessible than others? Envision that clean organized closet and begin to identify the steps you’ll need to take to achieve that closet.
Tip #2: Know your goals.
Understand what can fall by the wayside if necessary to achieve your end result. Being able to adjust as you go is important to seeing a project through to completion. Make sure you communicate your goals to everyone involved.
My sprinkler system was in need of repair. The puppies had chewed up some of the exposed lines and there was a leak at the valve. My ultimate goal is to replace the system but after talking with the sprinkler guy, I realized that it was a big project and would be expensive to have someone do it for me. My immediate need was to fix the problems, so I adjusted my goals, watched a couple of YouTube videos and managed to fix the issues myself. Later, when I have more time or more money, I can tackle that big project of redoing the system.
Tip #3: Schedule time AND energy.
Keep things moving forward by scheduling distinct times to meet, work and plan. Don’t forget to consider how much energy you’ll be needing. Probably best not to do a full room painting job when you’ve just returned from a full day of hiking. Check in regularly (with yourself and others ) and adjust that schedule as needed. If your project relies on others, keep their schedule in mind. For example, if you are doing a DIY bathroom renovation and there are city approvals needed, make sure you know how long those approvals will take. If the project will involve the help of a plumber and/or tile installer, get realistic time estimates.
Don’t be surprised if start dates or end dates get pushed back. I once had a contractor promise he’d have my new bathroom completed before Thanksgiving, only 7 days away. It was a rather important deadline to me because I was hosting 20+ members of my family that weekend. The contractor gutted the bathroom but then had other priorities. It was a lesson learned. In retrospect, I should have planned for the unexpected and scheduled the project after the holiday. I’m not sure if I’ve had especially bad luck but I find contractors are very optimistic with their timeframes. My rule of thumb is to double whatever time estimate they give!
Tip #4: Identify the components.
Sometimes a project will be too big and overwhelming. But if you can divide the project into more manageable sections, getting it done will seem much more of a possibility. For example, adding outdoor living space to your backyard is a big project but breaking it down into distinct steps will help you achieve your goals. Think in terms of what can be done in a weekend. Maybe you install the deck first. Get that all completed and then add the arbor. Next you add a built-in barbeque or a firepit or a fountain, maybe all three eventually. Seeing each component of that big project done will help keep you motivated to start the next component and see it over the finish line.
Tip #5: Look for the weaknesses.
Where are you likely to stumble and fall? What might throw your schedule off? If it normally takes three weeks for a part to arrive, don’t expect to wrap up the project earlier than that. Develop a strategy for scenarios that could upend your completion of the project. How are you going to mitigate those obstacles?
These 5 tips are general enough to apply to any project you might undertake. They will help get you motivated and see those DIY projects started and FINISHED!
