Don't you just love the magazine spreads?

Beautiful home decor projects complete with lavish
photos and step-by-step instructions. The headline
promises...Done in One Weekend!

Ever tried this?

Ever accomplished this?

Let's face it: some 'weekend' projects cannot
be finished in a month of weekends! Nevertheless,
the real question is, can yours?

Maybe.

The key is in separating the planning from the
doing. Both are actually part of the project,
but the planning needs to be accomplished well
in advance of the weekend 'doing'.


So, begin your planning...

- and start with the end in mind -

A photograph, a magazine article, a drawing you've
made yourself. You need to see where you're going to
be able to identify it when you get there.


- what will it cost? -

This one is vital. We're talking about both
financial/supply costs as well as time costs. Grab
a sheet of paper and start some lists: first, the
ingredients or parts you must have to complete the
job. Actually walk yourself through the project
from beginning to end. Visualize yourself doing the
work. What tools will you need? Do you have them or
do you need to borrow/buy them? Do the same for the
necessary supplies.

Now calculate the time it's going to take to complete
this project. If you've broken the project down
step-by-step, simply estimate each step and then add
them all up. Be generous! Interruptions occur. You'll
need rest breaks. Tools may break down. This part of
planning allows you to seriously consider if this
really is a weekend project. If more time is needed,
schedule accordingly.


- are you still interested? -

By this time you've thought through the project quite
thoroughly and probably had to solve some problems or
overcome a few obstacles. Still want to do it? If not,
you've just saved yourself a weekend of frustration.
Still game? Your planning has simply whetted your appetite
for the real thing!


- assembling the parts -

With your lists in hand, gather everything you'll need
to complete your project from beginning to end, including
preparation and clean-up. This is the area where most
frustrations occur. For example, it's Saturday night and
you just ran out of paint. But that won't happen to you,
because you've planned thoroughly!

After assembling all the parts, take a few minutes to
organize them so they'll be at hand and useful on the big
weekend. Take a few paper bags, mark the outside to
reflect the inside ('clean-up tools', 'cutting supplies',
etc.) and sort your stuff.


- plan your environment -

Neglect this one and your project is doomed. Planning to
stencil a beautiful floral design on the old wooden floor
of your deck? Do you have kids? Pets? They will need to
find another route into the kitchen this weekend. Planning
to use some chemicals that need plenty of ventilation?
Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.


- take a day off beforehand -

You'll be much more excited and ready-to-go if you give
yourself a break right before the big event.


- go, go, go! -

Your day has arrived and you are ready! Dive in and make
that weekend project happen!


One last idea; enjoy the time you spend creating and
improving your life. Whether it's your home, garden,
career or yourself, you now have the tools to make
conscious improvements and achieve the satisfying results
you desire.



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Colleen Langenfeld delivers deals, tips and
creative resources to working moms who want
the most out of their homes, families and
careers at http://www.paintedgold.com . Sign
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