I'm Chewing

I might just have too much on my plate right now. Time management is a real problem of mine.

Okay, I'll admit it. I think I bit off more than I can chew but I'm trying.

I've got my regular jobs, a side decorating project, my own condo to fix up, at least one new painting job, and absolutely no life. I'm beginning to fall prey to my own good intentions and ambition. And this brings me to this week's topic. Time management and being reasonable.

I have a hard time estimating how long my projects will take, and then, lets be honest, the free time and recovery time necessary. I know this is a problem I have. I also have a problem saying "no". I want to make people happy so I take on more than I can handle. This leaves me where I am now, drowning in projects.

I just can't accept that I'm the only person with these problems. In fact, a lot of the home improvement and interior decorating projects I see people tackle in their own homes reaffirms my belief that this is a problem for most people.

I think its important to be practical about your projects. If you are thinking about whipping out a DIY project over the labor day weekend then spend ten minutes analyzing the project.

Are you looking to repaint your livingroom? Well yay you! You've got the perfect sized project. A long weekend is a perfect amount of time to undress the room, tape, lay drop cloths, get your paints, cut in, roll out walls (or do a faux finish), let the room dry and paint cure for awhile so you can enjoy some time outside, redress the room and sit back and spend a little time taking it all in. Sure a professional could do it in a day, maybe two but keep in mind you're not a professional and you're going to have your regular life intruding on your project.

If you're looking to rip out the carpet in your place and lay some hardwood floors, complete with new baseboards. Well my friend, you have also bitten off more than you can chew. This may indeed be a 2-3 day job for a professional but you don't know all the tricks of the trade, you don't have the experience to go quickly, and like most people, you will probably try to make everything "perfect" since it's your house, which takes a LONG time.

So my advice to you (because I'd never take my own advice), be reasonable about the time you have available and how long your projects will take. And then remember to have fun and enjoy some of your time off!