Organized Chaos

IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA.

Last time we talked, I shared my tips for Priority Shifting. Although the initial work week post-vacation was relatively successful, emotionally I just wasn’t ready to confront the rush of home improvement projects on the docket this week. In hindsight, we should have probably spaced out the projects and not planned them so soon after our vacation.

However, this week I was forced to transition from relaxed Beach Bum to stressed Project Coordinator. Coordinating bedroom upgrades and basement refinishing simultaneously seemed sensible and doable in a few weeks, but I quickly realized another round of organized chaos was brewing.

I typically assume the lead as “House Project Manager.” I am not one to sit on the bench and I am usually the key point person and organizer in my family. Did I choose this role, or did the role choose me?

FACT IS, most women manage the day to day household activities, schedules and become the defender against anything falling through the cracks. I know I’m not alone in this struggle, but…

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL.

Bedroom painting and furniture replacement turned my upstairs in to a ransacked yard sale. I felt like I was packing up to move. Boxes of clothes and personal items in every room, cluttering up what was once a semi-organized home. The stress and anxiety was building.

Why was I so uncomfortable with the situation? Well, lack of control and organization was one reason. Second, projects are stressful because they disrupt whatever semblance of organization and normalcy exist in a household with working parents and kids. I am the behind the scenes family coordinator. This involves planning, scheduling, negotiating and problem-solving to ensure every day life happens. And then add a project (or two) on top of that! My plate just got really full really quickly!

Aside from the obvious project details of planning, painting, coordinating, delivering, packing, unpacking, etc., projects also force you to think about how and when to put it all back together again. More stress…

EASIER SAID THAN DONE.

A Project Manager & Transformation Specialist in my former corporate life, and now as a successful entrepreneur, it’s hard not get into #BOSSMODE and shift my business standards and expectations to family projects.

I want things to be done a certain way. Generally, it’s my way or the highway. But that’s not realistic all the time. And I’m learning that applying that approach in all situations can be detrimental to me and my family.

In appearance, it would appear I run a pretty tight ship, but in actuality there are times I am two steps away from jumping overboard. Back to the control thing again, I want it all to run smooth, no hiccups and I want my family to assist along the way. EASIER SAID THAN DONE.

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN.

So, how do you manage it all without having a total breakdown?

• Limit Projects & Space Them Out – Too may projects and too many home-to-do lists invariably leads to stress. Plan things out accordingly.
• Determine Roles & Responsibilities Up Front – Before a project even begins, determine the roles each family member will have in the project. This helps with any miscommunications.
• Avoid Miscommunication & Bickering – Save yourself emotional stress by being clear and consistent in your communication with your partner. Work together as a team!
• Focus On the Positives – Focus on the positive outcomes that will come from the project. Envision the new beautiful bedroom you have been dreaming of!
• Take a Break– Practice stress-management, find a relaxation-inducing activity like a hot bubble bath when you are feeling overwhelmed.
• Keep the End Goal in Mind – The project/renovation is not a forever thing. It will have an end date.

END GAME.

While we haven’t loved sleeping in our 11-year-old’s bed and living out of boxes, I know the end game will be worth it. Learning how to effectively manage project/renovation stress along with every day life stressors is key. Did we have our fair share of stress? Sure. But we learned lessons in communication and planning better for the next big project!