A Change In Mindset Can Change Everything (Or So I’ve Heard)
I mentioned in yesterday’s post that I’ve really been struggling with staying focused and motivated on working on our bedroom lately. I want our bedroom finished, but it’s all of those steps to get to that finished room that I’ve been struggling with.
Well, last night, I was scrolling social media, as I do every night as I’m winding down before bed. And I just happened upon a video that really made me think. I wish I would have saved the video because I can’t find it now, but I found it very interesting, but I’ll try to summarize it. The woman on the video was saying that the main thing standing in the way of people who struggle with productivity is that they get bogged down in focusing on the dread of each step that’s required during a project, whereas those who are really productive don’t get bogged down on those details. Instead, those who are really productive keep their main focus on the payoff that comes when the project is finished.
I thought that was really insightful. And true. I think that’s the problem I’ve had lately. I mean, let’s face it, this foyer and bedroom project has required a whole lot of drywall work, and of all the DIY stuff I do, drywall is the absolute worst. I mean, I just can’t even stand doing drywall.
The foyer and bedroom have come a long way from what they were at the beginning of the year. After watching that video last night, I pulled up my 2025 House Goals post that I wrote in January, and I was actually surprised when I was reminded how these areas used to look. The drywall in the foyer was a disaster.
It makes me feel anxious just looking back at those pictures. And it makes me feel proud that the foyer and doorway into the closet looks so completely different now, and this was done by my own two hands.
But at the same time, I’ve found myself getting up every morning and dreading the work. I don’t want to work on trim anymore. And I was especially discouraged when I felt like I was going backwards and address the drywall situation yet again even after I thought the drywall was all finished.
But after watching that one little motivational video last night, which couldn’t have been more than a couple of minutes long, I realized that what she was describing at the beginning of that video was exactly the trap that I have fallen into over the last few weeks. I get up in the morning, every morning, and focus on solely on what I need to finish that particular day (drywall, challenging trim issues, unlevel floors, etc.), and I just feel dread. I haven’t felt excited about my work in weeks. I have to force myself to work, but I make excuses to take as many breaks as possible. And as a result, I’m just extending the amount of time it takes me to get through the projects I don’t want to do.
So after I watched that short video, I began to focus on the payoff at the end of this project. That payoff is pretty amazing — an entire bedroom suite completely with a beautiful foyer, an amazing walk-in closet with a laundry area, a beautiful bedroom, and an amazing bathroom. All together. All finished. All one huge, dedicated space that will be our master bedroom suite.
Never in my life did I think I’d ever have such an amazing bedroom suite. And the only thing standing in the way of this vision being finished lately is me and my mindset — my mindset that has been stuck on the dread of having to do more drywall work, and the dread of having to deal with unlevel floors that make installing trim more challenging. My dread that keeps me in a constant cycle of looking for and making excuses for needing constant breaks from the task in front of me that I really don’t want to do.
But last night, when I started focusing instead on the payoff at the end of this, I did actually notice a change. I started to get really excited. That drywall work that I need to get done today before I can finish the trim? I can get that done very easily. Installing the rest of the trim and getting it wood filled, sanded, and caulked? It’s not enjoyable at all, but once I get that done, I can get to some fun projects like making an upholstered headboard! Installing that light in the foyer? Yes, it’ll require even more drywall patch work, but then I’ll have a gorgeous light in the foyer and be on my way to having a finished and gorgeous foyer!
I actually woke up this morning excited and anxious to get in there and get the work done. I haven’t felt that way in weeks. It really is amazing what a change in mindset can do. So from here on out, I’m going to challenge myself to keep the payoff at the forefront of my mind instead of getting bogged down in the dread of the task directly in front of me. I’m so glad I happened upon that short video. We really can be our own worst enemies sometimes, and sometimes all it takes is a random two-minute video on social media to make us realize that.
So now, I’ve got some drywall to finish, and some trim to install and finish! And I’m actually feeling quite excited about it today!
More About Our Master Bedroom
see all master
bedroom diy projects
read all master
bedroom blog posts
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
Thank you for sharing your struggles with getting up each day and motivated to get the jobs you’re dreading done. Focusing on the prize at the end is a good way to get inspired. When I have found myself procrastinating on projects and dreading the work that needs to be done, I tell myself that the job is never as bad as I’ve made it out to be in my head. I can usually push myself to get going and find it isn’t as bad as it seemed in my head.
I love this so much!!
You do tend to get bogged down on the unpretty, but necessary work. But getting to the exciting parts requires the no fun part! Think of it as though you are a writer, writing the next best seller. I can’t even imagine how difficult that can be, and getting to the end of the story is the hardest part! Forging ahead on the boring parts does require extra focus, so if you know this going in to projects, maybe you need to choose: DIY and fight through a job you know will bog you down, or hire that part out to pros and save yourself double the time (probably!) and all the headaches! Another way to think of it is that a baker doesn’t grow the wheat to make her own flour, she replies on the pros to do that job! You should take the easier road!
I don’t know if you noticed, but I’ve tried to comment more this year. My goal was to try and encourage you. I don’t think I’m doing a very good job, lol. I get bogged down with a lot of things, one is not being too familiar. I do keep trying though. I was very glad to read this post and the encouragement you got. I’m glad you shared this (maybe you will find the video and share the link) as it is a good message to hear. Thanks again.
Looking back over the photos of the Befores and Afters of your master bedroom suite is so amazing. To think that almost everything in those rooms was done by your hands is mind boggling. Your design sense, your mad skills, your persistence, your hard work, all put you way up there on the list of my favorite podcasters. Sounds like that video was sent to you at just the right time. Onward and Upward!
I’ve been following you for years now. I do because you just don’t give up. No matter what happens you persevere. It’s remarkable. It’s loyal love. I must say it’s wonderful to know it exists in our fast everything world. It’s no biggie you have a dud day. We all know you will just keep keeping on. Bravo my dear!
Yes, you have to shake up the pattern. And on those long daunting projects. Break up the focus do task X, to be closer to the end result. Not x must be done, for Y to be achievable. Deadlines are great to develop a measurable plan. They keep you in check, but it is not absolute. A favorite manager of mine shared make the plan, then work the plan. But remember nothing gets achieved thinking about it. If that first plan is not working. Then revisit the plan to adjust and complete it.
God works in mysterious ways. I am glad you’re excited. You go girl!
That part of the plan really is a lot of tedious work. Sometimes when I’m in the middle like that I’ll take a step back and visualize how that area is going to look finished and that makes me more excited to plow on. I wondered, do you play some favorite music while you’re working? That can help keep a person happy plus you can memorize your favorite songs. I know you probably have to keep it down so you’ll hear your hubby calling if he’s in need of anything. Does he have a bell or something you can hear easily from a distance? Im looking forward to the end of this month because I’m sure you’ll have accomplished so much by the end of it. I just love the colors you’re using in these rooms. They are some of my favorites too. My master bedroom and bath are in darker blues and they feel very classic. I’ll have to think of some ways to add some pops if color without closing in my small rooms.
Sounds a lot like this. 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6O3P0dYAuE
Or maybe this one: https://x.com/i/status/1975320914595111412 which is based on Scott Adam’s work with mind set. I watch this recently and it was a revelation. It’s already helping me.
Kristi, when faced with a long-term project I think most people go through what you are describing. And you explained your feelings very well. Thanks for that. Half the problem is identifying what makes you grumbly.
We can think about accomplishments in two ways: one is when you have to push yourself to see a big task through to the finish. It feels like a burden that screams “I have to.” The other is when you visualize the end result, which works like a vacuum to pull you forward. That mindset is, “I want to.”
In your minds eye, visualize the feeling you will have as you sit in your bedroom chair and chat with Matt. Add a snack on the table beside you and look around that beautiful room, knowing you put it all together yourself. How about anticipating the photo you could send us of being in that space and remembering we cheered you on through thick and thin! We want it for you as much as you do. So get the diddly stuff done so you can enjoy the really fun part coming soon.
Warm thoughts for you, Matt, and the fur buddies.
Plus you did your beautiful floors twice. That was a major accomplishment!
Great job! It is all so inspirational to me. Thank you for your perseverance.
Glad that video was so helpful! It’s been pretty obvious you’ve been procrastinating lately so good to get some help with it.
I saw a sign yesterday that perfection is just an illusion.
Keeping the main thing the Main Thing is the main thing.
I know you’ve been here before, mainly because it’s a big undertaking and also you’re working alone. In the past I remember you saying you’re tired of A B & C and dying to ‘work on the pretty.’ Well I say do it!! Do a “dread” first (trim or drywall) then change it up and do the headboard. Or sew the curtains. In my artwork I often take a break from the more formal on line lessons to make a bunch of bookmarks, fun cutesy cards and even rethinking my paint inventory. Anything that gives the mind a needed rest, a reset if you will, to break the routine.
James Clear has a Thursday email called 3 2 1. 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to consider for the coming week. Some are apropos to my life some aren’t , but I learn something new each time.
Have a good weekend.
I am so proud of you!!