by Susan Liddy

All you out there with dishes in the sink and dirty clothes on the floor! It's there because you don’t like doing it... even though you love how it feels when it's done.

I've got two hefty questions that the majority of you will answer "No" and "No" to:

1. "Do you love household chores?"
2. "Do you love adding tasks to your ToDo list?"

Big questions because, after-all, it's hard enough to MANAGE our household... LOVE it? P-L-E-A-S-E. Let's all share a virtual shrug together.

But, really, why don't we love household chores? Try this activity and discover for yourself:

1. Pick a household chore that you absolutely HATE.
2. Right NOW tell yourself to do the chore.
3. Now, notice all the reasons you're telling yourself why you can't do it right now.
4. Notice all the reasons you're telling yourself why you don't want to do it right now.
5. Notice all of the reasons you're telling yourself that you SHOULD get it done.
6. Are you with me?
7. Now, visualize yourself doing the chore.
8. Notice all your negative self talk while DOING the chore.

Most of us will have engaged in a self-argument about the chore. And, in the visualization you likely thought about how much you hate the chore, should have done it sooner and how much you'll hate the next one.

Gosh, just writing this I feel drained.

Fearless Integration

Lets bring the "loving it" part into the doing it.

Below are some tips for today's woman on how to keep the rhythm of your life moving along while staying organized - and feeling good about it!

1.) Decide what's a "now task" and what's a "for later" project.

Glance around for "now tasks" - what can you put away, give a quick wipe? Car keys in hand? Grab the kitchen trash before you go. Save the projects that require concentration for later - like ironing, paying bills, your work schedule. Cook meals that you can store, heat and eat later in the week. We can't always handle the big jobs this second, but it's great to clear the clutter from our space and our minds!

2.) Assume a "Just Do It!" attitude.

Immediately, without another thought, right now, complete one task of you list. No! Don't THINK about it, get up and DO it. Pick ANYTHING on your list and do it right now. I'll wait.

How'd it go? How do you feel? It wasn't as bad as you feared, was it? And, I'll bet you feel REALLY good right now. Each day, commit to using "Just Do It!" for one task on your list and remember the great feelings you feel right now. Anchor these positive feelings with positive acknowlegements for a job well done. As you get on top of things, put together a "Just Do It" list for up to 5 priorities each day.

3.) Spot clean as you go.

You've finished up lunch with five minutes to spare. What about those dirty plates? Grab the sponge for a quick scrub-and-rinse? Or do you tackle a heap of dirty dishes at 9:30 p.m.? "Spot cleaning" really cuts down on the amount of elbow grease you're exerting at the end of a tough day! Get to loving those crumb-free counters and corners without cobwebs.

4.) Don't let the laundry languish.

One sock on the floor becomes two socks on the floor. Add your PJ's and that skirt you tried on... next thing you know it's an unsightly heap in the corner and you have "nothing to wear!" If it's not soiled, fold it back up and put it away. Worn items get tossed in the hamper. You'll cut down on the amount of wash, save money on hot water AND feel less "clueless" in your own closet!

5.) Reward yourself for doing the things you don’t enjoy doing.

Then REALLY associate the good feelings of the reward with the DOING of the chore. As you are out having fun or spending time with a friend, notice how good you feel and remember yourself DOING the chore. Maybe the reward is having a friend stop by for coffee later on tonight! Feels good to have the place in order and a little crumb cake in the pantry, right?

6.) Use perspective.

One final question for you: "How much do you LOVE placing check-marks on your ToDo list?" Go get 'em!

Aspire Life Coaching can empower you through fear, support you through roadblocks and/or teach you valuable lifestyle and life balance skills. Learn more on our coaching services page, then contact us or call (408) 835-9908 for more information.

©2007 Susan Liddy, AspireLifeCoaching.org, All rights reserved.

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