As I write this, I am smack dab in the middle of a well-deserved, really exciting, and long-time-coming remodel of my home. This remodel is partly the welcome result of our recent decision to simplify our lives and move our kids schools and my office into North Carolina. (Previously, we’d lived in NC, but went to school and worked in VA and always considered moving to VA.)
Anywho, I’m posting the ONLY picture I’m bold enough to post, because this house is a MESS. =) You can’t really tell, but we’re incorporating a very neutral GRAY color throughout the main living area of our home — and as soon as I get a DECENT picture without my crap everywhere, I’ll post it. This here is our laundry room. =)
Back to business. In the midst of this remodeling, I’ve fallen (back) in love with HGTV makeover shows. I have to admit I believe the OLD shows were much better, but here’re three lessons we can ALL take from these shows:
1) Projects or goals that have languished unfinished ARE COMPLETED when you bring in an expert or coach.
Many of these shows surround a “crashing” mentality… so when you go to Home Depot, one of these TV personalities “crashes” your project, bringing — of course — their expertise, ideas…. and DEADLINES.
Challenge: What launch, book, idea has been sitting INCOMPLETE in your mind, on your calendar or elsewhere?? Maybe it’s time to bring in an expert.
2) Bandaids are replaced by overhauled solutions.
None of these shows highlight small little changes that are likely to go uncelebrated by the homeowners. FULL CIRCLE projects are what you see. The result is that the homeowners stop settling and go for what they REALLY want.
Question: Where are you settling for a bandaid in your business…. when what you really want is an overhaul?
3) ALL of these shows have TIGHT, almost UNREASONABLE deadlines.
It seems remodels — like money — like speed. Slow can be frustrating, painful, demoralizing and worse.
Challenge: PIck a goal. Assess a TIGHT deadline… and go for it. One thing you see in these shows are people pulling together and pulling LONG hours to meet a deadline. When’s the last time YOU pulled an allnighter? Maybe its time for another one. Jus’ sayin’.
4) NONE of these remodels are a one- two- or three person job.
ALL call in the reinforcements. You have the strategists / planners. You have the neighbors, family members, kids and more all working towards a common goal. Years ago, we called this process a “barn raising” — where neighbors helped neighbors.
Question: Could you organize a barn raising in your business? if so, what would you like to have complete? Who should you enlist? How can you make it fun?
I hope as you read this that your home and office is FAR MORE ORGANIZED than mine! =) =) Of course, the show must go on… so keep hustling!
