Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Little Jar of Diligence

I have given myself a project. This little project was not born out of creativity or craftiness, no ma'am! It was born out of necessity and shame. You see this Little Jar of Diligence is a friend, a friend to those who procrastinate. I am a procrastinator in the worst way. I look around the house and there are dozens of little tasks that have been left for tomorrow...and then a year goes by. For example, I have a beautiful white-framed mirror that I got at Round Top almost a year ago. This antique treasure is just propped up against my dresser, waiting and waiting to be gloriously displayed above our bed. I also have some white antique plates (also purchased at Round Top) that are to be hung in our bathroom. They're just sitting in a bag. The list goes on and on. It is so shameful!

So...fed up with myself and this nasty habit, I created the Little Jar of Diligence. I wrote all the projects and chores that I have been putting off down on little strips of paper, folded them up and put them in the jar. There were about 25 items total, and I am constantly thinking of more that need to be added.

Here are the rules of the Jar:
~ I pick one item out of the jar at a time and I have one week to complete that task, unless otherwise specified. (I have a few major projects that would take more preparation, a garage sale for example, and so, for those jobs I give myself a month.)
~ Once I complete a task, I may draw another item.
~ Once I draw a task, I cannot put it back and draw another. (I have already broken this rule...I drew the garage sale one...no need to get crazy right off the bat!)
~ I may complete a task before it has been chosen, but it may not replace the task that was chosen for that week.
~Once I complete a task, I can reward myself with a pedicure...just kidding. That would be fabulous though, wouldn't it?!

So, my friends, jobs are already getting done around here! Like today, I called and made a dentist appointment. After I made the call, I went to my jar and picked out Wash the Duvet Cover. Guess what I'm doing tomorrow? Washing the duvet cover! Now that's diligence!

7 comments:

Erin said...

Sounds like a resolution to me! You go, Positive Girl!! Here's to completed pillows, too!

Steph said...

Yes, I put two strips in the jar for pillows. I have to complete two pillows per strip. And then of course I had to put one in for curtains! :)

carahinojosa said...

Jar?!? I would need a barrel!

Morgan said...

way to go about the dental appt!! ha ha!

Ashley M said...

Steph-

That's an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing and good luck :)

ash

Laura said...

HI. I found your blog thru Becca. That is a great idea. Maybe I can do a 'honey do' jar.

Coffman Family said...

Good luck! Your house is going to look even more country chic once you are finished!