3 Steps to Actually Make Your Project Happen
You twirl like a Whirling Dervish, waiting for that moment of clarity. Twirling on Pinterest and in Houzz, twirling in trends, TV, magazines and opinions.
Twirling is fun, but too much and you will end up very, very dizzy, and with no movement forward.
A creative project is like any other project. It requires a decision, which inherently involves some risk. It also requires a budget and a timeline. Without these, you’ll spin in the dreaming phase forever. I know- I’ve been there. But the good news is, there is a process to follow to get you to where you want to be. Like in that beautiful comfy chair with the footstool you’ve always wanted in front of the fireplace reading a book by the lamp that you absolutely love because it gives off just the right light and the table is at the right height to set your drink on and you are…comfortable.
Here are the steps to make that happen.
Brain Dump
Once you know your sweetspot, the time of life you are in, and the function of the room, the next step is a brain dump. List out all the things you want to get done, either now or eventually and all the things and characteristics of the space now.
Next, get 3 different colors of markers:
- 1st color; circle the things you really want to do first.
- 2nd color; circle the things you like and are keeping, as well as any fixed things that are not going to be changed.
- 3rd color; circle what you would like to do- that would be really nice if you could.
What’s left? Cross off anything that made the list that maybe isn’t that meaningful to you after all, and things that will go.
Now you know the scope of your project. Your brain dump gives you a clear picture of where you’re at. Use it to bridge the gap from where you are to where you want to be. Start with what you have, and look for what you love.
Set a Budget
Budget = Action. But what if you don’t have one at all? Or don’t have any idea of what’s realistic? Or what if you think it’s all so out of range that you never start? Been there, too.
So here are a couple of practical ways to get started:
- Price out the things on your brain dump list to see what you’re dealing with. Do a little bit of research and get a rough estimate of what you might be looking at. This gives you a number to either pull from what you may have saved, or shoot for to save going forward.
- Go by some of the “guidelines” of what you might realistically spend to update and keep your home fresh. Either one months house payment per year, or 20-30% of your homes value spent over the years you live there.
Quite a range difference. So work with what works for you. If you’ve been in your house for 10 years, have a $2500/month house payment, and have never updated, a $25,000 dollar home refresh makes sense. But only if you have it. If not, start from where you are with what you have. Start with one months house payment, plus any savings you have set aside for your house. Or 1/5th of your last paycheck. Whatever you have. Just start. Because “some day” – budget = never.
Now- tweak that number to a range and account for contingency. Let’s say your number is $3,000.
- For the low end of your range, take it down about 15%. So now your budget range is $2550-3,000.
- But- there are always surprises. 10% is a typical contingency number, so take 10% off your lowest number.
- With a target number of $2295, you are likely covered for contingencies and can better decisions regarding upgrades if you find something you want to spend more on. Which you will.
If you have a great big list, and have started pricing things out, you’ll know that $2295 is not going to get you a complete living room remodel. But any number will get you started and make a difference. And over time, will get you the space you love. Remember the pick 2 rule? You can have it good, fast, and cheap; pick 2.
Be patient and appreciate what you do have in the mean time if you can’t have it all at once. I know. Easier said than done. But possible.
And don’t be afraid of the dumpster dive to make it work. Some of my best finds have been of the “HONEY!! STOP THE CAR!” kind. Or, “Sweetheart, I know we’re a little late for your doctors appt and you’re not feeling so hot, but would you mind if we just pulled over here to see if that dresser might fit in the back of the van? ” I’ve also been known to go out on a walk and return dragging a neighbors chair down the sidewalk. I believe in the potential of all things.
Set your schedule
Together with the budget, the timeline makes your project a reality. Even if you are buying just one thing, stop dreaming about it and determine a date you want that thing in your house. One step back from there? Placing the order or making the purchase. Schedule time in your calendar for that. One step back from there? Shop/research. Schedule time in your calendar. One step back from that? The dream and wish list part. Don’t forget to schedule time and a due date for this as well, so your project actually gets off the ground.
And a schedule always needs contingency time as well. Something will delay schedule. Be sure to include buffer time.
Of course, rules are made to be broken, but at least you have a place to start. And don’t forget to temper your expectations with a little grace. While it may not be perfect, it will be really, really good.
