Yesterday I was working on an inside painting project. I was painting a window seat and all of the window wood trims because I want to transform this area from one where Bella and Harry jump on when they are sharing their greetings to the outside world to a spot that could also be used for reading, thinking, watching the outside world.
Before any painting commenced the window seat area needed repair. There were scratches from those doggie paws, a gouge, and a loose piece of wood. I am the type of person that does NOT embrace doing prep work. I just want to paint. What I have learned from my life experiences is when you take the time to prepare for something, whether it’s a painting project, a work project, self care, cooking a meal that time spent will actually make what you are doing easier, more efficient, and fun. Yep fun.
I took time to tape my non painting areas, sanded and sanded the scratches and marks, vacuumed the area, wiped it all down, put some wood filler in the areas that needed filling. When I began to paint the time, effort, and energy I put into the prep work was worth it. The work area was ready so my focus was putting down the paint. It was me, the paint brush and paint. When I got to the window seat area I could see the difference my sanding and wood filler had made. As the paint covered it, a new area was being created. If I had not prepped I would have run into dirt, gunk, unfilled gouge’s, paint going on areas that were NOT to be painted. I would have been starting, stopping this project over and over. It would have been messy and I would have been frustrated because of MY decisions. It probably would have not looked so good. There is a quote (not sure by whom) that says:
“Well, well, well if this isn’t the consequences of my own actions”
Prep work, making ready, has a place in all areas of our lives. It serves a purpose, a function, and can make whatever it is you are doing a whole lot easier. Are there some areas of your life where preparation might help even if you are like me and grumble through the prep work.
To begin with preparation think about your intention. What is it you want to do, need to do, and how do you want to do it? It is to make a meal, complete a work project, school project, go on a trip, simplify your routine, or begin a health habit? Your intention is your starting point. Think out what items you will need. Check to see if you have them. Yes check and then gather them. If you are a list maker, make a list. This time you are spending on the preparation will give you more time to do the work. This will give you more joy and contentment in what you are doing. Think of it this way. If you are mid project and don’t have the items you need you might get frustrated with yourself, someone, or something and your energy will be spent on that.
Your actions influence your emotions so what emotions do you want to be influencing?
So from this converted preparation person, which by the way I now do prep work in a whole lot of areas in my life and it makes my life easier, take a moment to reflect on your life. Are there tweaks and changes that would benefit you because of the ongoing frustration you have? Then switch it up and make a change. Small tweaks can have big payoffs. You matter. How you feel about your life matters. I believe in what you can do🌟
May your preparation be with you💜
Photo by Yoann Siloine on Unsplash
