Remodeling Universal Truth #23

You will reach a point

With each project you can pinpoint a certain time where it seems to overwhelming to go on. This always happens after the "can-do" stage and also right about the time when you realize you are still very far from your end goal.

Let me give an example using a small, seemingly insignificant remodel project I like to call "my pantry."

It started out like every project..in the The Unrealistically Optimistic Stage," where I set out to "re-do" my pantry in one day. Sure, it is piled high with household cleaners, painting supplies, and about a hundred other various and sundry things. Sure, it needs to be wiped down and repainted with primer and two coats of pretty paint. And sure, it needs a new floor put in. And new shelves built. But hey, I have nearly all day, right? And it's such a small area, how could that take more than a day?

So I began to unpack. And then of course, I have to find a place to put the 103 various and sundry items. That took some organization in the basement...and the garage...and the small bedroom upstairs.

Fast forward four hours later. To the last few items to unpack. That's right. Still unpacking.

And of course, this is where you realize that it won't happen in one day. However, being the resilient type you are, you think "hey, a two day project is just fine! I will just finish tomorrow!"

You can see where the cycle begins. If you could keep up the optimism, you really would be finished in a few days. But at some point you feel like the project will take nearly forever.

This is the point in every project where it starts to be ignored. Where you realize that it won't be a one, or even a two day project. No, maybe two weeks was more accurate. At this point (still on day two) you start to notice many other things that need dire attention. Partly finished, started but far from complete, your project sits, awaiting your return. Each day you walk past said project and it calls out "do you have time to work on me today?" and the hasty answer comes "of course not, I have a blog to update!"

But I have noticed another part about this specific point. It always comes when there is some small yet completely undesirable task to complete. Some point where you have to locate a phillips head screwdriver or when you have to climb up in the attic to get the "right" paint, or when you have to wash down the walls of an old, icky closet so you can prime without cobwebs. And such it was with this project. It stared at me, day in and day out, for one week, at the unappetizing point where I would have to muster up courage to dawn gloves, a sponge, and then wipe down the walls. Inside the closet.

So, of course I didn't have time! That would take like a year! I'm sure of it! And besides, Ryan needs to be fed and dinner needs to be made...and that laundry needs attention. So, for one week, Universal Truth #23 - the "sticking point" ruled over our closet.

Until yesterday, when I decided that this cooling off period had gone on too long. I dawned gloves, and the year long washing project was completed in about 16 minutes...without pain. Yes, that is how it often is with sticking points. They are never as bad as you build them up to be. The screwdriver is right in your old tool box if you would just go get it. There is something freeing to passing this point in each project- a sense of satisfaction that you overcame the worst part of the task and now it's nearly finished.


Universal Truth #24
After passing the "cooling off" point, you will be renewed with energy to complete the project. You will wonder why you ever took time off, and lament the missed days without your pantry.

In other news, my pantry will be done today, I'm sure of it!