Are you spring cleaning or doing gentle tasks?
There is a time to do both, but knowing the difference can help both in the planning and the execution of each. The characteristics of a spring clean make it a bigger project, while gentle tasks are smaller and non-project-based. Read on for the descriptions of both to help you decide which approach would work best for you at a given time.
Spring cleaning:
- Larger-scale
- Project-based (usually consists of a series of tasks in a number of areas)
- Can induce a sense of overwhelm if not broken down into smaller tasks and to-dos.
- Can be weather-dependent if it includes balcony or other outside work
- Often takes several days of multi-hour work periods, such as weekends or holiday time
- Can require large, expensive supplies or professionals (e.g., outdoor window cleaning or power washing).
- Can sometimes feel and look ‘worse before better’ (cleaning out the garage)
- The size of a spring clean, which can require multiple steps and phases, can induce procrastination
- Requires more energy
- Can necessitate the need for help from others
Gentle tasks:
- Individual or a series of tasks
- Can include maintenance or everyday activities
- They can generally be done in a short period of time
- They are “quick wins” and offer immediate reward (cleaning a bathroom, doing the dishes)
- They only require everyday supplies, nothing too extensive or expensive
- They don’t create more mess, they create less mess and usually make a visible difference
- Gentle tasks are less daunting, and therefore, tend to generate less resistance and procrastination
- They can comprise one step or a few individual steps (each step is a complete step in and of itself)
- Can mostly be done by one person and does not require the help of others. Some tasks can be done by children.
- The tasks require only small bursts of energy
Some questions to ask yourself when sorting tasks from projects include:
- What supplies will I need? (Do I need to order or purchase anything?)
- How long will this take?
- Do I need the help of others?
- Is this a single task, or multiple tasks, steps, or phases?
- Can this task stand alone, or is it part of a larger set of tasks?
- If it is a project, how can it be broken down into smaller sets of tasks and timelines?
- How much time and energy do I currently have?
- Am I on a deadline (selling a house, landscaping)?
Remember to gauge your resources! Life consists of both projects and tasks, and the key to achieving the best outcomes is to distinguish between them and choose them wisely.
Good luck! Do you have any further tips to add?
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