At the beginning of this year, I decided I want more from life. More experiences, more travel, more adventure. I started this project last month by doing less in my pursuit of more–Fewer rules, self-limitations and “can’ts.” This resulted in purple hair, a relaxed attitude toward fitness and diet and an all-too-fabulous escape to Jamaica.
So while January was an escape, it turns out I have to return to the real world at some point. Since February is the shortest month, it’s time to wrap things up rather than get things going. My “goal” for February? Finish more. I am a champion at starting projects and coming up with ideas but ultimately getting nowhere. It’s time to bring some open-ended efforts to a close.
Finished by the First
Stop being a bum. I started slacking off in terms of pushing as hard as possible at the gym and eating as well as possible at home. It was a nice mental and physical pause, but now it’s time to finish that phase and get back at it. Starting today.
Finished by the Fifteenth
Paint my doors. I started repainting all the doors in my house. They are all primed and knobless, just waiting for one more coat of paint and the installation of already-purchased-but-lingering-in-drawers doorknobs.
“Read” my audiobook. I started an Audible subscription. I’m only 6 hours away from finishing my first book and not wasting my money.
Decorate my bathroom. I started to redo my bathroom. It looks amazing with new paint, floor mats and vanity, but I never quite got around to rehanging mirrors or putting in the final touches.
Knit it up. I started knitting an afghan. It’s done…except for weaving in the ends–the part I tend to put off indefinitely.
Finished by the Final
Buy a sofa. Seriously. I started this mission eight months ago. It’s beyond time. Just suck it up and buy something, even if it isn’t perfect.
Repaint it all. I started repainting my house when I bought it, and somehow still have one hallway and one bedroom left (this makes it sound like I have a huge house and not like I have a 1000sqft house I’ve just been too lazy/indecisive to finishing painting). I can do it.
What do you need to get done this month?
Haha, I think you should continue putting off the sofa. It’s turning into a saga!
I think taking a break is really important sometimes! Especially when you’re really intense about something.
I think you should do another photo tour of your house
Haha, I know, right? It’s totally my “thing” right now–my homeless-like lack of furniture. And I’m totally planning on a tour/before&after post–if I can just FINISH the few minor projects that have been lingering. Plus, I could really do with mirrors back up on the walls, it would probably improve my professional appearance at work…
Ah I’m the same way about not getting tasks done. I have 4 books on my night stand (2 for work ugg) that i need to read and it’s taking so long to get these checked off the list! I use this app called Any.Do to keep track of things i need to do and find it rewarding to Getting tasks done is a pain but once it’s done, it’s such a good feeling. If you’re into using apps to track things, check out Any.Do to keep track of tasks. It’s nice to literally swipe off my annoying chores!
I like the idea of an app, but I’m such a sucker of real lists! I have them tacked all over my fridge for my various projects–and oh man, YES, that feeling of finally checking things off!
this is a GREAT motivator for me!! I have several paint projects that I wanted to complete before the holidays… I need to just make time for them, because my schedule is NOT going to get any lighter
I hope the perfect couch is right around the corner for you! Jason and I lived a few months with no couch in the new house – it really is a motivator to find something…
I think my problem is that I DO have this heinously ugly stuffed chair that is working for now (as in, I can sit on it, even if it looks like I salvaged it from a dump). Maybe my first goal should be to get rid of that first–then I’d REALLY have the motivation to get something! And why is painting so easy to put off?? I know I can finish it all in just a few days if I actually do it, but it just gets shuffled off to “someday” land.
I was just thinking this morning I totally want to learn to knit. I’ve started a few times but I just need to stick with it for once.
Also I want to buy some chairs at the thrift store today (50% off hope they’re still there) and have my mom help me recover them.
Oh man, I wish I knew how to recover chairs! I have some thrift shopping in my future too. I have a feeling you’d love knitting!
Oh man, I totally hear you. It’s like, travelling is supposed to refresh you and make you ready to tackle life, but it just makes me want to go back.
I definitely fell off the boat over the holidays in terms of nutrition, fitness, and general productivity and I’ve had such a hard time getting back into the swing of things. If you find the magic bullet, please let me know!
I’m pretty sure my brain is still in Jamaica. And if only there was a magic “motivation” button! I need it, that’s for sure.
After I get home from my month long journey I need to get my wisdom teeth pulled put..o the joy
I can’t wait to see your Afghan I want to learn how to knit! Love and shine courtstar
To make it through the cold months, I usually have to try extra hard to motivate myself in all aspects of my life, so that is really what I have been focusing on a lot this month!
Also, doing some fun things, like dying my hair pink and purple definitely lifted up my spirits!!! Hell ya to colored hair
It’s definitely the cold weather that’s sucked the motivation out of me too! Funky hair sure does help–it’s like summer on my head. And I don’t care if that statement made no sense.
hahahah no i totally agree. every time i see my hair i think of summer and sunshine! so weird
you are exactly like me… have I bought chairs for my dining table. nope. it has been since august now. get a move on it alex
I read skimmed the list for the sofa before actually reading it. LOL!
Yay for joining audible! It’s a great option for busy people, we can’t always sit down to read.
I’ve got a long list of blog to-dos this month for the challenge – excited!
Ah the sofa. Good luck with that
I’m tired (and motivated) just reading your list! I get antsy if I feel ‘lazy’ for too long. When you’re done painting, can you come to my house? I still need to repaint the living room/kitchen back to white and my master bath. The bedroom is up in the air. I’ve at least put it on the calendar for either next weekend or the weekend after that. We’ll see what actually happens.
I feel like this whole couch thing is a saga — “Tune in next week…” And tune in I will!
Oh lol the sofa! You should probably get that one if you feel it to be a necessity.
I’m totally with you on starting but not finishing things. My goal for the month is to finish the building phase of running, attend 10 hot yoga classes, apply for jobs/ positions with profs… Yeah that’s my life at the moment
Buy a sofa? Nice goal!
won’t lie.. definitely looked to see if Sofa was on your list, Ha Ha.
Awesome goals, Allie- I love that you’ve set a timeline! I’m currently setting up my own business so February is completely dedicated to that and getting it up & running by March! Cheers to a productive Febuary
I need to get my butt going on my ebook!! Although I just decided to write one, Im majorly slacking on it because of course, now Im doubting myself. Stupid self consciousness!!
Love the idea of knocking some serious projects off the lists in February. This month, my goal is to take care of me by doing some serious battery recharging. Work is insane from October all the way into February, plus it’s winter here and dark and dreary so I’m looking forward to sunshine, sleep, books and maybe a cocktail or seven.
Everything, that’s what I need to do this month. Then I have to do it again in March, April, etc. If I do everything I can, month after month, maybe I’ll get out of here. It’s a plan. I’d rather buy a house and paint some walls!
Have a great Sunday, Allie!
Dude, I’m a pro at starting things too! Then I suck at following through, haha.
Sigh. I have so many things I need to get done I can’t even begin to list them. I guess that is the hardest part though, right? Getting started?
The best way for me to complete lingering projects is with deadlines too! Sounds like you have a lot of things to wrap up, but all worth the time! I hope you will show us some pictures of your completed rooms!
Oh the list is long…I need to get a bed. For real. I’ve lived in my house since June without a real bed. I love my air mattress, but SERIOUSLY.