Summer is a great time, former procrastinators, to knock out a project we just can’t get to any other time. With less structure in the summer, we can take advantage of a block of time we might not have otherwise. Working on a summer project can provide structure if needed, but it also provides a boost – something completed that might have continued to weigh on us. Done!
It helps to set an end date – a deadline – or, before you know it, the summer is gone. That bowling bumper will help you do the job. (The Bumper Theme January 9, 2017)
With our office clean out, we set a bowling bumper of having the room cleaned and organized by August 31. That deadline keeps us on track, plugging away when we’d rather not. We want this job behind us.
It helps also to remember that even a portion of a job moves us forward. We had to recognize that with our office project. We have office materials in other places, but our August deadline is for the room itself. There’ll be other deadlines for the other materials. This summer we clean out the room, establish places for everything, and set new systems in place for maintenance. Then when we deal with the other materials, we’ll be able to slot them into place in the room. Dealing with all of it at once was unrealistic, too much. (And thank you for your prayers; keep on. We are making great progress!)
Consider that job or project you’d like to get done “someday.” Maybe it looms large. Maybe you don’t want to do it, but you know it’s yours to tend to and sooner or later, you’ll have to tackle it. Or maybe it’s something simple that would just make life easier if you dealt with it
If nothing comes to mind, one way to determine a good project is to look ahead to the coming months and figure out what your needs will be. You can lay the groundwork now to make things flow more smoothly later. Check winter coats and mend pockets, take backpacks to the shoe shop to repair heavy stitching, shop for the business suit you’ll need this fall.
Maybe these will spark ideas:
• A brief summer job to beef up the savings or help fund a trip
• Reorganize the spice cabinet – or other kitchen cabinets
• Research an issue or an interest
• Clean out closets or drawers – eliminate excess and organize what remains
• Complete some pages in the photo album
• Tackle those boxes of inherited items
• Tackle those boxes left over from the last move
• Paint a room
What project will you do in the remaining days of summer?
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