How Do You Get So Much Done

The number one question I get is- how do you get so much done? I’m always doing a project (or more) and honestly, creativity is so important to me. It is how I stay sane. I don’t talk about it, but I can get a little depressed and I find that making something is the best therapy for me. So how do I get so much done? Let’s dive in!

1. I keep commitments to myself

First off, I think of projects, write them in my calendar, and then I do them. I know that sounds so simplistic, but if I decide to do something, I do it. The best EVER podcast I’ve listened to on this is Brooke Castillo’s episode #261 called “throw away you to do list.” It is SO good! If you feel overwhelmed by how much you have to do or want to get better at keeping commitments to yourself, please go listen to it now!

So I have a big calendar, with a large rectangle for each day of the week. In it, I write everything I need to do each day. I write in small things like responding to emails and big things like painting a piece of furniture. If I don’t get it done, I move it to the next day. But mostly, I try to finish what I want to do. 

2. there’s lots of things I don’t do

Because I prioritize making things and updating my house, there are things I don’t do. Like I don’t wash my hair every day (I go 5-6 days without a shampoo and the last day is not pretty!). I don’t go inside the store to grocery shop- I order everything online and then they throw it in my car. And yes, I pay $5 extra fo that service #worthit.

Here’s some other things I don’t do- watch a lot of TV, take naps, sleep more than 7 hours a night, leave my house to shop unless I have to (yay for Amazon). I cut out a lot of “extras” to simplify my life so I can do what I want.

Also, I should really mention that my husband is VERY helpful! He does all of the laundry, most of the cooking, lots of building, and car maintenance. Plus he’s super supportive of my crazy ideas. He doesn’t love his face online, but he is my rock.

3. when I do something, I’m all in!

When I am doing a project, I like to do that one thing and that thing only. Sure, that doesn’t always happen with a young kid at home, but lots of time it does! I believe in the power of focus- if you think about and do something with all of your heart, it will come to fruition quicker. 

For example today, I have decided on one project I will focus on. I’ll be painting a shelf and adding hooks. I’m going to focus on it until its done, hanging, styled, and photographed. Even with my son, I like to focus on him only when playing. I set a time for 30 minutes (or however long I have) and then I play with him 100%- I don’t check my phone for emails or social media. I just play (even when it’s hard).

Then, later, when it’s time for me to paint, he’ll help me or I’ll paint next to him while he plays and I chat with him. I find that the undivided attention means that he is more fulfilled and likely to happily play by himself for a bit.

When I have computer work, I focus in and only do one thing on my to do list until I check it off. I find that if I do the most important thing first and do it all the way, I can get through my list faster. Another good tip is that I give myself time allotments and try to do things faster than I think they should be done. If I beat my timers, I get the extra time to do something fun.

4. figure out your personality type and cater to it

Gretchen Rubin has come up with the 4 tendencies idea. Essentially, it’s a way to look at each person’s personality and deciding if they are an upholder, questioner, obliger, or rebel. You can take a free quiz here to find your’s. Once you know your tendency, you can figure out ways to do what you want.

For me, I’m totally an obliger. That means that I am more likely to do what I say if I’m held accountable by someone else. So for me, having a blog works so well! I know it might sound silly, but I love getting things done so I can share them on here! For me, when I start a project, the goal is to be able to share it so I can spark the love of creating a beautiful home. That goal drives me because of my personality type.

5. there are seasons of life

Lastly, I fully recognize that there are seasons of life. It’s not always a great time to be tearing up your house. For example, I didn’t do any big projects during December so I could enjoy the holidays. If major things are happing in life, creating will take a back stage, and that’s ok.

Also, I’ve found that there is a flow to life/projects. There is the preparation stage when I’m planning and ordering products. Then I’ll be making things which is the middle part and can take awhile. Lastly, I’ll be sharing the results and loving living in them. I take a small break and then start planning the next project.

This cycle repeats itself and it’s now easy for me to recognize. The most exciting part is when I’m first starting a project or when I’m almost done with the project and then when I share it. The rest can seem boring or like I’m not accomplishing something, but once I realized that its just part of the cycle, I’m fine with it.

Ok! Whew! Those are my best tips for how to get stuff done around the house. I definitely am NOT perfect, but I love focusing on what brings me joy and doing it. My hope is that one of these tips will help you too!

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