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How-to Get Those Weekend Projects DONE in One Weekend!

by Colleen Langenfeld

Weekend projects got you feeling blue? Use these tips to make this next weekend your most productive ever!

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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