03 February 2010

Do You Wear Orange on Valentine's Day, too?



I have a million things I need to get done.
Who doesn't, right?  We're all busy.
My dilemma?
I just can't seem to get motivated.
I have many have-to-projects.
I always have should-do-projects.
And then the countless want-to-projects that I'm only longing to begin because of the previous two.


What motivates you?


Leave your answer here for a chance to be wearing this bracelet on Valentine's day.
A winner will be chosen Friday.
Yippee!


55 comments:

  1. I find the thing that motivates me is if I have company coming for a visit. I get these powers of organization and creativity all of a sudden!

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  2. My advice is actually advice you gave me:

    Schedule what you need to get done and then when you get it done, reward yourself with something fun you want to do--thus, all your have, should and want to projects get done!

    If this works, thank yourself!

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  3. you know what? time restraints. it's seriously the only answer I can give.
    I joined a quilting block bee and when that deadline looms and I know someone is waiting on the other end I start in like a mad woman, then I see my UFO pile and look at the colour thread I'm using and find one that works and finish it!
    I often stop there because the kids start yelling for attention but the same thing happens next month...
    I'm going to get to that list of wants someday, but I figure those UFO's were "want to's" at some point :)

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  4. My fear of clutter motivates me. I am not a fan of clutter and the more projects I have going, the more cluttered my house becomes.

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  5. Being able to do something I like once something I dislike is done motivates me. And deadlines--like we have a trip to UT coming up and I'm trying to get all my yucky tasks done by then.

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  6. I'm the same as Kelly O. Mostly deadlines is what gets me going.

    First I do the daily Have-To's, like plan dinner and calendaring, etc. Then I pick one Have-To a day, and if I do one a day the list usually gets chipped down before the deadline meets disaster. And then I pick one should-do, like the laundry or a chore. Only one. Then I do one Need-To like reading or exercise.

    Then I can do whatever I want! If I just do ONE thing off the lists a day, it's managable and not overwhelming, and the lists aren't constantly growing.

    And I find if I look at house magazines I'm much more motivated & inspired to keep my house clean.

    I love that bracelet!

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  7. Though I suppose it only applies to me, I am motivated by the thought that I will (hopefully) soon have full-time employment and will not have the time to do any projects at all. So, I must do them all now!

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  8. My kids waking up! I know that sounds weird, but I just can't seem to get enough done when they are up. So I try to get everything I can done when they're sleeping. I think about how behind I'm going to be if I don't do what I've set out to do while they're asleep. This includes should-do's and want-to-do's!

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  9. I use a lot of the things that were already suggested, but when I'm really lacking in motivation, I pray. Sometimes there just isn't motivation to be had from my own sources.

    Oh, and orange is my favorite colorful. I'm in love with your bracelet.

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  10. school deadlines rule my life right now. visitors, get me to scrub and organize. going out, gets me to sew a new article of clothing. the thrill of crossing something off my list.

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  11. I guess my OCD motivates me. I cannot stand to leave something unfinished. Good luck finding your motivation!

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  12. i have the same problem as you... I have so many things I SHOULD do, but can't seem to find the time in the day for all the things I want to do (or I push aside the should things to do the want things). It looks like I need some modivation tips too... or magically 10 more hours in each day. I love your blog- thanks for all you share!

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  13. I like your yellow belt. My baby babes motivate me. I want them to have a happy and pleasant home.

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  14. Oh heavenlies...I'm with Kim on this one: fear of clutter.

    And 61 things checked off a list...that's motivation too. Put things on the list just to check them off...

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  15. I get motivvated by chaos. The more disorganized my home is the more chaotic it is. Then I know it is time to get moving. I get books on cds at the library and burn the midnight oil.

    I am in love with the orange!

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  16. The end result! I get so excited to see the finished product that I can never seem to work fast enough. I love before and after moments.
    Also, having the dishes done. For some reason, I just can't start a project unless my sink is empty. Once the dishes are done I am pretty much unstoppable.

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  17. Unfortunately, time motiviates me! I can have a million things to do and be completely unmotivated to do any of them! Give me pressure or a deadline, and I'll get it all done! It's not a great way to do through life, but deadlines motiviate me!

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  18. when i need motivation i have to start small. i give myself one task, usually a have-to (but a small one) and i take it from there. accomplishing that first task motivates me to move onto the next one.
    i also find lists helpful, as they help me see what i've accomplished. taking it one step at a time is the best way for me to not feel overwhelmed and incapable.

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  19. I motivate myself with company. We just moved, so I gave myself a month and set a date to start inviting new neighbors for dinner. I was totally unpacked (though not totally decorated) by my deadline. I love to decorate for holidays, so I plan to have company in the weeks previous to the holiday so it has to be done. We had a valentine's party in january, so we're set for the two parties we have next week!

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  20. I motivate myself by scheduling a night with girlfriends for crafting. It only happens every couple of months, but it gives me the much needed boost to get the "must dos" done.

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  21. Company! I make a point to have people over once a month to motivate me to clean and I have one of my "creative" friends over once a month to motivate me to have a new project to show off and share with them.

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  22. Getting started motivates me. It seems that once I finally fill the sink full of soapy water to wash the dinner pans from last night, I seem to get in the mode to get things done. Sometimes it's so hard to do that though!

    I love your orange bracelet. Isn't orange so wonderful?

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  23. A run and a shower first thing in the morning guarantee a productive day. Gare-one-tee!

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  24. I always get motivated when it is time for an up coming holiday! I love getting out holiday decorations and changing the house around a bit! Another thing that is motivating to me is the SUN! especially right now when some days are so yucky and others I feel spring is so close. When the Sun is out I feel motivated to stop hibernating!!!

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  25. Dance modivates me. It is hard to explain, but it works.

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  26. Wow! Your post is EXACTLY how I feel today... or past couple of days. I was just trying to figure out how to get motivated so I can tackle my to-do list (and should-do's and want-to's). Glad I could come here for some excellent advice. One thing that helps me is to just turn up the radio (or iPod or computer). Listening to music helps me to stop thinking of what I need to do and just do it.

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  27. I put on some great music and start with one room/project at a time. I work better if the music is really good.

    I really love that bracelet.

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  28. I just force myself just to accomplish one thing. Even if it is something easy like emptying the dishwasher. This usually helps me to feel (a little) more motivated to accomplish more. Sometimes I can just get burned out though, and then the only thing that works is stepping away for a while and taking a break. I stress about my school work constantly, and it can really wear me out. So I just declare Saturday and Sunday "no homework" days.

    Thanks for a chance to win!

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  29. I'm not gonna lie - I'm in the same boat right now. I have a to-do list in order of importance at the moment. Motivation is finishing one thing on that list. Knowing that I'm waiting for a shipment of new fabric is also motivating - I can't start using it until the rest of the stuff is done. Good Luck.

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  30. I am motivated by the love of my life. My wife. She makes me want to be a better person. (I sure hopes she reads this!!)

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  31. I am motivated by reading blogs like yours. But also I find that I just need to start DOING and then I get into a project and get excited about it.

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  32. A good old-fashioned "to do" list always works well for me. It's just so satisfying to cross things off a list. The real trick is motivating myself to make that list...

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  33. Marking off (or highlighting, or marking over with a sharpie, or scribbling it out with a fun colored pen) things on either a to-do list or just on a calendar or my planner makes me unbelievably happy. So, in order to make this happy happen, I actually have to accomplish those things listed first. Darn.

    Right now? I have a 5K training program printed on a calendar that I get to mark through 3Xs a week when I actually do the training. So far, so good...

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  34. my mom ALWAYS talked about HAVE-TOs and WANT-TOs... the term is so common to me and i was happy to see them on your post.

    i'm bad for this advice right now because i think i am the most, most unmotivated (at least about school-my main 'have-to') than i ever have been.

    but... sometimes i set ridiculous but specific mini deadlines: "by 11:47 i will have the dishes DONE," or "i have exactly 11 minutes to fold laundry..." then my competitive self works harder. this may be leftover from the old "i'll time you" tactic that we older siblings often use to motivate the younger ones.

    pick me! i need to give it to jenny for a valentine!

    (oh, and i'm glad you continued to make these... )

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  35. treats! i guess i'm like a dog.:) i'll tell myself i can't stop to read that magazine/eat that cookie/sew that thing for ME until i've done whatever chores are waiting. still find it hard to get started, though.

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  36. i think it's the sense of accomplishment that motivates me. i love looking at a project knowing that I DID THAT! as far as keeping my house up, i hate the cleaning part but i am motivated by how great everything looks when i'm done!

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  37. Well - what motivated me today was knowing that I have visitors coming to my house tomorrow! ;-) And I love the way it feels once its done! When I see the finished project that motivates me to keep going. I also try to pace myself - don't look at the long list of things to do - rather - pick the first thing on your list and just do it. And the next day - pick another. Don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed from that lengthy list.

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  38. What motivates me is knowing what my end result will be. Going to work means I can pay bills and feed my kids. Cleaning the house means I have room to play with my kids, etc.

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  39. i get my motivation from music. plug in my ipod and let's get going on task at a time!

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  40. Good tunes and crazy, ridiculous dance moves do the trick for me. Makes cleaning and the mundane bearable.

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  41. fortunately, I'm on a good creative roll at the moment. But when I'm not, I find that just going to the room and tidying a bit will help some. And if I'm not feeling creative, I'll just make something that I've done before just so I'll feel productive.

    thanks for sharing. Love the orange little bits...

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  42. My motivation is a combination of a lot of the above posts.... I have a huge "to do" list and since I work full time and take classes 3 nights a week it leaves little time! And I LOVE crossing things off my list!!! So...I set a cooking timer for 30 minutes and try to get as much done as I can. It's almost like a race...me against the DING! Then I see results, even if it's small.

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  43. Honestly, not much motivates me right now other than getting up and taking care of my 7 month old. The kid is leaving me T-I-R-E-D!!

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  44. I watch "Hoarders" on A&E. It fills me with terror that my house might slowly fill up with junk. I always get things done during and after watching!

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  45. Throwing a party ALWAYS motivates me. The impenidng threat of others seeing my clutter, always motivates me to sort and clear things away. It also usually gives me a creative jolt.
    I see you're having a sewing soiree. How fun! Wish I lived close enough. Maybe I'll have to have one of my own...I'm sure it would motivate me. :)

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  46. Races with my kids always motivate me (and my kids) like "I bet I can get the [kitchen] clean before you get [your bedroom] clean" Whoever wins gets a piece of chocolate. That way it keeps me on track, and it's a fun way to get the kids helping.

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  47. Mmmmm... sadly enough? Lists and fellow bloggers. For example, you and a few other sites for crafting, a couple of close friends that amaze me with their focus and aptitude for cleaning, and an organizational website. Yes, I turn to the blog-o-sphere for endurance and motivation. My kids and husband don't hurt either. Oh, and kids getting sick, that really motivates me to sanitize.

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  48. I am more motivated to do stuff if I decide what I am going to do and set a timer. It keeps me on track and then I reward myself with something relaxing when I am done.

    Do you use a pattern for the bracelet

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  49. What motivates me? I haven't really figured that out. When I see something cute my juices start flowing, so I guess being very inspired makes me want to create. I only do my "musts" when my "want "to's have all run out.

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  50. My kids.. i am constantly finding new things to create for them! I am so in love with this bracelet!!

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  51. I do the one room at a time thing, too. I also love rearranging my furniture, which results in a great deal of cleaning that I wouldn't want to do anyway. I also like having a list where I can cross things off.

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  52. jayne jayne jayne jayne jayne jayne jaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynevjaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejaynejayne

    (that's not what motivates me, I just really want to win.)

    Having people show up at my house unexpected motivates me to not let it happen the same way again.

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  53. My 'to-do' list motivates me to get it done. I hate the guilt that follows if I don't - although too often I feel this guilt.

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  54. Katy,

    I think this giveaway is probably closed, but this story is only tangentially related, so it's okay. I wanted to tell you that I realized much later that I had left a random comment on your last giveaway not realizing it was a giveaway. I do actually read the words on people's blogs, but sometimes they must go in one eye and out the other- I'm talented like that. I laughed when I realized a later that there was a prompt that I missed!

    It is funny you don't feel motivated, but you had time to make this bracelet. You do set the bar so high for yourself. Give yourself a break, woman! Just kidding. Create-create-create! There is so much happiness in creating.

    I like to invite company over and try to get one more project done before they show up. Or baby showers always motivate me.

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  55. All are great thought on getting motivated - but remember - procrastination gives one something to look forward to tomorrow. . . . . . . . . . .

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