Time management is a challenge for any of our goals in life. Finding the Time.
If we want to accomplish something, we must intentionally carve time out of our days to do it.
No surprise: Decorating is no different.
When in the world do we find the time to decorate?
Well, the answer is that we won’t. We will have to make the time.
For some people, decorating is exactly what they want to do with their time, and so other things go undone as their homes are transformed. But for most of us, we want to decorate… we just want to do other things more.
Now, I am ready for all of the protests.
“But I simply don’t have the TIME to decorate; it is not a matter of want.”
But, I know human nature. And I know myself.
Folks, when we are done doing what we have to do… we almost always do what we want to do. With a few exceptions, and of course there are a few, we have extra time that we choose to spend on something. And if you are anything like me, believe it or not, you choose to spend it on something other than decorating.
And my message for you today is:
THAT IS PERFECTLY OKAY.
AND, not only that,
IT IS PERFECTLY GOOD.
Today, I choose to have dinner with a friend, instead of getting projects done around the house.
Last weekend, we chose to host a dear family friend and do fun things all weekend…. instead of getting projects done around the house.
Yesterday afternoon, I chose to sit and read to my boys and cook a healthy dinner {takes twice as long, I tell ya!} … instead of getting projects done around the house.
But, also, last week, I carved out 2 hours of my day to take some pillow and cushion projects to my seamstress. This project has been in the works for a while, and I finally MADE the time for it. And I am super excited to see the end result.
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{for more posts to help you overcome your decorating paralysis, click here or on the image above}
So, how do we Overcome the Decorating Paralysis of Finding the Time?
1. We mustn’t be so hard on ourselves if everything does not happen overnight. Most homes are not transformed in a day.
2. Find comfort in knowing that those people who flip out projects overnight, CHOSE to spend their time doing THAT, and therefore, something ELSE went undone. Again, it was a choice. And, there can easily come a time when WE finally choose to get a project cranked out; all the while being realistic that something else of ours will go undone.
3. Remember that lesson, slow and steady wins the race? That old adage is perfect for creating beautiful interiors. Purchase a few beautiful things this year, hire a Mr. Fix-it next month, sew up those curtain panels next week. Bit by bit, the transformations will come.
4. And I would be remiss if I did not mention all the fantastic tips from my readers on how THEY find the time to decorate their homes.
This year, I plan to find bit-by-bit time to add beauty to my home.
Maybe this New Year is the Year for YOU to Carve out time to add beauty to your home.
Will you join me?
* * *
Decorate your home, bit by bit, with BEAUTIFUL pieces at great prices, from One Kings Lane.
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Great post! Especially at the start of a new year. I agree, it’s all about choices, and also priorities and season of life (I found that post of yours from last summer, just last night LOL). Personally, I have also discovered that I can either KEEP my momentum or let my progress slip. Keeping it takes a touch more effort but saves me from wasting those small efforts along the way. Great advice, thanks Darlene!! xoxo
Yes! Keeping up the momentum and following through to the finish. True story!
So true! My kids eat a few more bean burritos from TB when I’m choosing to spend more time on my dekoratin.
oooh. good idea! TB decorating assistance.
as in Taco Bell. That sounded weird….
Girl, I have a whole house to paint and 6 months of deployment to do it in. I’m in!! {can you pick out my paint colors?!}
oh, girl! you’d better start rocking that paint brush! And Benjamin Moore has a fantastic new lines called Color Stories that I love to use for clients. Rock it … report back!
Yes! I will join you! I think I’ve been “stuck” lately and want to “bump up beauty” as a priority in our home. Thank you, Darlene, for the encouragement.
you can do it!!
Great post! I just listed my home goals for 2013 on my blog. I noted the fact that I need to be more productive this year. Less time on the computer, more time at the sewing machine, and with a paint brush!
Yes, less time dreaming. More time doing! I wrote about it here. And this year will be the same!
http://www.fieldstonehilldesign.com/2012/01/my-word-of-the-year-do.html
You got me at “bit-by-bit”! That is exactly what I needed someone to do–invite me to make my house beautiful bit by bit! I have been longing to do so many things in our home, and I guess I overwhelmed myself to a point that I feel like I’ll never get it all done so why bother doing anything. Now I have a 1 yr old and want him to grow up in an organized yet homey space. I want our family to love our home and spending time together in it. I found your link while browsing comments on today’s Bloggingwithamy, and I’m so glad I did! Count me in! I will join you!!!!
Fantastic Jennifer! Thanks for your great comment! Oh, yes, you CAN do it bit by bit. And I even think Room by Room is a great approach for a next step. But don’t think about that yet… just think bit by bit!
If you are new here, I welcome you to start here: http://www.fieldstonehilldesign.com/2012/05/overcoming-decorating-paralysis-get-to-work.html
Hope this design advice helps!
I just discovered you blog and I love your design aesthetic. Your philosophy when it comes to your home and clients is exactly what I believe as well. I have a vision for each room in my head but getting there is another story. Our homes are a continuous work in progress and that’s ok!
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