3 Keys Thursday: 3 Keys to Staying Motivated as You Tackle Big Tasks

Photo: Dodgerton Skillhause via Morguefile

Why is it that it takes more time to de-clutter than it took to create the clutter in the first place?

Sometimes, in this organizing game, the baby steps seem so small. Those are the times that we need a little reminding -- not of what still needs to be done, but of what we have already accomplished. Here are a few ways to stay motivated when projects seem overwhelming.

• Set monthly goals. Big projects deserve big time lines. Allowing more time than we need can also lead to that wonderful feeling of finishing sooner than expected, and breaking big goals into smaller action steps can make the overwhelming seem more manageable.

• Before/after photos. Take a picture of what's not working, then take a picture after you've turned it into a space that works. Or, maybe even take a series of photos along the way to keep track of your improvements as they transpire. After all, isn't a picture worth 1,000 words?

• Did it! list. In previous posts, I've also called this a "backwards to do list." Instead of writing down what you need to do at the beginning of the day, write down what you do as you do it all day long. While this can be overwhelming on a busy day, it can be inspiring on days when you feel that time has slipped away from you and/or the list of things that remain to be done is longer than you'd like.

So, the next time you feel like a job is endless, remember to create some small, happy endings along the way. They just might re-energize you for the rest of the journey.