When springtime rolls around, thoughts turn to sunny days, warmer weather, and getting motivated to cross tasks off your list of things to do. As you look around, you see your neighbors power-washing the driveway and sprucing up their homes.
Even your best friend seems to be infused with energy these days; she’s already cleaned out her closets and waxed her car and it’s only April 1st!
You, on the other hand, have a bunch of tasks weighing on your mind. You’re tired of thinking about them. But which one should you do first? And how can you summon the energy that seems called for this season?
These suggestions can help you painlessly gear up for action:
1. Find peace in the garden. If you like to garden, it’s time to explore the changes that fall and winter brought to your planting spaces. If you’re new to gardening, you can look forward to feeling tranquility when you’re raking, planting and weeding.
- Why not start now working in the yard for 30 minutes a day? Gardening is good for your soul and will lead you to achieve in other areas of your life.
2. Deepen connections with your family. Complete projects together instead of alone. Make time to listen to what your kids and partner want to do now that spring’s here. Focus emotional energy on your family.
- Spending time with your spouse on a project you both want done is a great way to deepen your connection. You’ll also gain momentum to do other tasks.
- Spring is also a lovely time to accomplish something with your kids. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to have some quality time with them as you teach the values of working together on a project.
3. Reach out. Ask for a psychological or physical “push” from a parent or close friend. Maybe your mother loves to do interior painting or your friend is a master at organizing drawers and cabinets.
- Asking for help is an exercise in humility and builds character. There’s no shame in acknowledging that you feel challenged to get motivated. Those you care about would love to help. Embrace the support and love you get from them.
4. Help yourself. Plan each week to complete just one task on your list, no matter how small. You’ll build momentum each week to achieve another goal. Give yourself permission and enough emotional space to take it slowly. You’ll feel like a rock star if you keep a steady pace by finishing one task every week.
5. Reward yourself for progress. As you complete those tasks that have been simmering in the back of your mind, remember to reward yourself for your accomplishments.
- If Mom helped you paint the kitchen, invite her and Dad over next weekend for a family dinner. Spending some family time together is a special way to thank your mom and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
- When you and your spouse spend a day cleaning up the yard or sprucing up the garage, suggest you enjoy an intimate night out the following weekend.
- You’ll be continuously motivated to complete more of those spring tasks when you take the time to recognize and reward yourself for what you’ve accomplished.
Some of us will get more charged up about spring’s arrival than others. Remind yourself that it’s okay to move forward at your own pace. Whether you go after your goals a little bit at a time or all at once, your sense of accomplishment will always be there waiting for you when you spring into action.
