'To-Do' Jobs At Home: Mr. Handyman Helps Residents Find The Motivation To Do It

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 20 Feb 2008 - 11:00 PDT

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Now is an ideal time to build motivation to tackle those unfinished projects around the house. When it comes to odd-end jobs and other short- and long-term tasks at home, Todd Recknagel, president of the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Mr. Handyman International, says all it takes to get the job done is two key actions: determination and organization.

"For many people, it is stuck on the fridge, and for others it may be face-up on the entryway table near the front door. In many cases either way, that 'to-do' list seems to always stay put," Recknagel said. "In an effort to prevent residents from getting too overwhelmed with house projects, we are sharing some helpful advice on how to get motivated to do those projects and how to execute them with less stress."

Recknagel suggests the following tips:

- Tackle one project at a time - Looking at your entire list as one project can be mind-boggling - and also can cause a major headache. If you take each project individually and tell yourself you will complete each one in about a week or so, it will take off some of the pressure of having to complete everything all at once.

- Reward yourself - Whether it's a spa massage, a movie, dinner out, or just personal time, treat yourself after you have tackled each project. This will give you the motivation you need to continue to those other tasks.

- Stop avoiding it - When it comes to "to-do" lists, people always find themselves saying they "will get to it". But, Recknagel says the best way to "get to it" is to "do it". One you begin, you will want to continue what you've started.

- Know when you need help - It's important to know which jobs you can do on your own and when you need to hire a professional. Having a handyman do the more difficult odd-end jobs may help you save time and could be far less stressful and dangerous than if you try to do it yourself.

http://www.mrhandyman.com