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Find solutions not excuses
Once I realize I am focusing on the excuses for why I havn't done something I start to search for solutions. Sometimes I
can't find one, but just konwing I am searching makes me feel more competent. I also often find the right questions to ask
of others for help. It might take a week or month or even more, but if the focus is on a solution I will eventually find
it.
A made bed makes smiles.
Really 2 minutes to make the bed (less for the kids) and I smile everytime I walk into the room, Since I am helping the kids
with the potty still (which is past my bed) I smile quite a bit everyday that I make my bed. (Oh and I don't do it as soon
as I wake up, I do it when I go get dressed which is after breakfast generally, still makes smiles, so what if it is 'late')
Shiny pictures
Oh and shiny sinks, bathroom or kitchen they all cause smiles. Every room has a major piece of furnature that calls the eye
to it. If that piece is neat the whole room automatically goes up a few points on the clean scale!
I won't be perfect in a day, so I shouldn't expect the kids or my husband to be.
If it has taken me almost a year to learn about bed making and sink shining, why on earth would I expect my kids to learn
any faster? (Though they often show me up by learning faster than me!)
Timers work
I set a timer for 10 minutes for my son getting dressed (it really only takes 3 or less) I use one for cleanup, 10 minutes
per room, we all pitch in and help. I use one for using the bathroom, my son has 5 minutes (it shouldn't take 5!) to do what
he needs to do and get back (without making a mess).
Decluttering lessons
I don't have to keep stuff just cause so and so gave it to me, or for 'someday'. I do keep some supplies, art and sewing,
that I havn't used all that much, but as long as it gets used once a year or so I find room. I also have several things I
keep for no better reason than the memory, but the memories are good ones, and the keepsakes mean something to me (or my family)
not to so and so (if so and so liked them so much so and so could've kept them)
I do not need half a dozen spatuals, just because good cooks I know have a dozen, I like my three and I use them (one mini,
one scoopula, and one hard) The same goes for all the other stuff I am 'supposed to have' If I really needed it I would use
it not cram it somewhere. And I have found that some stuff that was cramed is now in constant use, due to open space by getting
rid of a bazzilion never used utensils!
Anything can be broken down into babysteps
I used to think most tasks required a long time to do, now I know it doesn't matter, even if I only get part done, at least
I started.
I am currently waxing my car. I started with the roof one day, then the next time we went out I did the hood, then the trunk
another day, I have to do the sides, but I know all I need is 20 minutes (have to wash first, then wax) and I can get another
section done. Finding an hour or two with two small children is downright impossible. Finding 20 minutes is pretty easy.
Ok well easier anyway.
Mirrors can be washed with water.
This is one of my solutions instead of excuses. I have small kids and a full length mirror, I love that they play with the
mirror, learning about light and practicing 'catching' reflections. (and even younger seeing those eyes and ears Mommy and
Daddy are always asking for) I was complaining to myself about the constant nose prints in the glass, but then I realized
cleaning them off didn't need to be such a big deal, I just grab the damp towel (which is always damp from the constant little
hand washing around here) and swipe off the mirror. A couple of circles and presto clean mirror in seconds.
Click here for all the flylady lessons (many I havn't learned yet)
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