* Organization
* Housework
* In the Kitchen
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* Homeschooling
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* Other
When You're Feeling Unmotivated
If you're anything like me, you have days when you just don't feel like doing any
of the housework that needs to be done. But it still needs to be done! How do
you get moving? Here are a few tricks that have worked for me.
- Agree with yourself to do the first step of the task, whatever that is. If you have dishes that need to be washed, for example, decide that you will scrape/rinse and stack the dishes neatly by the sink, or that you will wash all of the silverware. This bite-sized task is often more within my unmotivated grasp than the full job, but by the time I've finished it I have usually gained enough momentum to just complete the work. Even if you don't go on to complete the job, you're one step closer to finished.
- Alternate work on the undesirable job with something you enjoy. To continue the dish example, sometimes I will wash the silverware, put the plates in the sink to soak, and go read an email or two. Then I'll return to the kitchen and wash the plates, put the bowls in the sink to soak, and read a few more emails. A not-so-fun job is less tiring (emotionally) when I don't feel like I'm stuck there until it's finished.
- If possible, find some company. I would much rather work with someone in the room I can talk to, even if that person isn't helping with the work. It's just less boring when it's less lonely! If there isn't anyone who can provide physical company while you work, praying might provide a helpful alternative.
- Putting on some upbeat music often helps, especially if it's something I can sing along with.