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Stop procrastinating on
Household Chores
by J. Black
If you have been letting go some necessary chores around the
house and yard for a while, then maybe it is time to decide to embark on a
crusade to get all those tasks done.
Start by making an "irritation" list of what needs to be done before you begin.
An irritation list is simply a list of all the tasks and things we tolerate and
leave undone that clutter up our lives. They are like having a splinter in your
finger - annoying, rarely life threatening and remain until we take action and
do something about them.
Irritations can range from the leaky tap you have been meaning to have repaired,
the dirty carpet, the appliance with the frayed electrical cord that needs
replacing, the shirt with the missing button, the dry-cleaning that you keep
forgetting to pick up from the cleaners, the car that needs repairs, the chimney
that needs sweeping, guttering that needs clearing before winter, the computer
files you have been meaning to back up and so on...
Once you have your master list complete, the next step is to take action on your
irritations and get rid of them.
Delegate where you can to the appropriate person.
Take a few minutes right now to contact various trades people and deal with the
leaking tap, the video that refuses to work, the car badly in need of a service
or any items on your list requiring outside services.
Some items on your list can be delegated to other family members leaving only
the chores and tasks you need to physically complete yourself.
As with any list, some items take only a few minutes, while others require more
time and effort.
To develop your sense of action orientation deal with the major or least
pleasant tasks first. Tackling a major or unpleasant task first, and seeing it
successfully through to completion psychologically creates a natural high with
increased energy levels, enthusiasm and raised self-esteem.
Energy combined with stamina and determination enables you not only to start on
your tasks and carry them to completion but also to do them well.
Your irritations are an ongoing fact of life. From now on make it a habit to
deal with them and decide to take action as they occur.
Adopt a "DO IT NOW" mentality as many household chores and tasks only take a few
minutes to complete once started. If you simply cannot complete an "irritation"
at the time you notice it, add it to your normal daily
to-do-list. Take the necessary steps to complete the task as soon as
practical to get it done.
Copyright 2005. J Black. More resources and ideas
for successful living can be found online at
http://www.netwrite-publish.com
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