Ever have one of those moments where you’re so excited for a DIY project that you go and buy all of the supplies you need, but when it comes time to actually make the project you find your excitement and inspiration has all but vanished? Or how about the times when you know you have a project you need to get done, but you just can’t bring yourself to even start planning it out?These steps are perfect for helping me complete all those DIY projects I've been putting off for months now! Steps 3 and 6 have been total game changers for me! Plus the free DIY project planner is perfect for staying on track with all those DIY projects on your to-do list! | decorbytheseashore.com

There’s nothing more frustrating than desperately wanting the outcome of a DIY project but not having the motivation to do the actual work and make it happen. And this is really common!

Ask any DIYer, and they’ll show you a to do list that’s a mile long. I have one, and I’ll bet you do too. Some of the projects are on the list for a very short time, while others are on the list for months and years at a time.

Because let’s face it, though creating and DIYing can be great fun, it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Not every DIY project is walk in the park! Sometimes it takes lots of hard work, sweat and, if we’re being honest, tears.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE DIY PROJECT PLANNER!

So we put it off. Many times we put it off for so long that it just becomes routine to push it back for another week, another month, another year. We reason with ourselves “What’s one more week, in the grand scheme of things?” And it’s not that we’re lazy or we just don’t care. Often times, we put off projects for very specific reasons.

Why We Put Off DIY Projects

It’s quite common to procrastinate and push a project to the back burner, as many times we find ourselves overwhelmed and lacking:

  • motivation
  • inspiration
  • resources/supplies
  • knowledge/how to
  • time
  • assistance

But one of the biggest reasons we put off DIY projects is fear of failure.

There’s a little voice in the back of our heads that says, “What if I spent all this time and money and the project is a complete flop?”

“What if it doesn’t turn out how I expected it to?”

“What if I just can’t do it?”

And we let those self-defeating thoughts take over and convince us that we’re better off just putting that project off for another day so we don’t have to face the possibility of failure.

And while it’s true, failure is always a slim possibility in any undertaking, it’s important to keep in mind that very very very few DIY projects end in utter and complete failure. Sometimes a project goes a different way than we had planned, and sometimes we need to start over and regroup or try a different method, but when we really try and make an effort, the chances of our project actually failing are slim to none.

And while your project might not turn out exactly how you had envisioned, there’s the possibility that it might be even better than you imagined! And it’s definitely not worth it to miss out on an amazing DIY just because something might go wrong.

So it’s time to push those negative thoughts out of our heads, and turn that self-doubt into thoughts like “I know I can do this! I will complete this project!”

And the power of belief is often all it takes to get the ball rolling.

These steps are perfect for helping me complete all those DIY projects I've been putting off for months now! Steps 3 and 6 have been total game changers for me! Plus the free DIY project planner is perfect for staying on track with all those DIY projects on your to-do list! | decorbytheseashore.com

How to Complete the DIY Projects You’ve Been Putting Off

To help you get to work on your DIY projects, I’ve put together an amazing DIY project planner for you. It’s completely free, and you can print it out and fill it in with your DIY project plans and ideas to help you get started, stay motivated, and actually complete your projects! Download your free DIY project planner below!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE DIY PROJECT PLANNER!

1. Figure out what’s holding you back, and make a plan to address it. Why have you really been putting your DIY project off? Take a minute to figure it out and work through it. If it’s lack of time, create a schedule and make time for your project. If it’s trouble affording the supplies, figure out how you might be able to use coupons, find sales, and shop at thrift stores and clearance sections to get what you need to complete your project. If it’s not understanding how to complete your project, look for directions in a book or online. Whenever I’m looking for DIY motivation or instructions, I usually turn to Pinterest.

2. Plan ahead. Gather all of the supplies you’ll need and review any instructions so when it’s time to do the actual work, you’ll be ready. Nothing halts progress faster than beginning a project and then discovering you don’t have all of the tools or materials you need, or you don’t know how to complete the project. Get everything you need ahead of time so that once you start working, you won’t hit a dead end.

3. Break the project down into smaller tasks. This is especially important if it’s a larger project that will take a decent chunk of time to complete. Breaking it down into smaller pieces allows you to make progress a little at a time instead of being overwhelmed by the massive amount of time you’ll have to spend completing the project. This also gives you a chance to step back and take a break from the project.

4. Enlist helpers. Some projects are so big and complicated that they require more than two hands, and in that case, it’s important to enlist some helpers beforehand. Ask family, friends, and neighbors if they’d be willing to help you complete your project. You can offer to help them with a project in exchange, which can be a win-win for everyone!

5. Find an accountability partner. So maybe you’re not the only one who’s been procrastinating on a project. If you have a friend that you know has been putting off a project as well, start an accountability team and check in with each other periodically with progress and updates. Sometimes a little friendly reminder is all the motivation you need to get the job done! (Accountability partners also make great helpers!)

6. Set a schedule, and stick to it! Sit down and figure out the exact times and dates you’ll be devoting to completing your project. Mark the dates on your calendar so you don’t forget, and include a goal completion date. If you have people helping you, make sure to think of their schedules and double check their availability.

7. Make it fun. When it comes time to actually do the work, making it a fun project instead of a boring chore will really affect the outcome of the project. Remember to maintain a positive attitude (this is especially important if you have helpers)! I’m a firm believer that nothing helps set the stage more than some upbeat music, so don’t forget to turn on your favorite tunes!

8. Reward yourself when the job is done. An ice cream cone or excursion to your favorite store is a great way to keep yourself accountable when the motivation is lacking. So when the job is done, celebrate! Be proud of your accomplishment, and don’t forget to show it off!

These steps are perfect for helping me complete all those DIY projects I've been putting off for months now! Steps 3 and 6 have been total game changers for me! Plus the free DIY project planner is perfect for staying on track with all those DIY projects on your to-do list! | decorbytheseashore.com

Are there any DIY projects you’ve been putting off? What’s stopping you from completing them? Drop a note in the comments and let me know, and we can be accountability partners together!