How to Get Started on a Project
Photo above: Project, design and styling by Brady Tolbert / Photography by Tessa Neustadt
Let’s face it – we can have all the ideas in the world and maybe the means and skills to do them but sometimes the biggest hump we face is just getting started. But it doesn’t have to be that way! So I’m kicking off this year on the blog to help you get kick started on projects no matter how small or big. I reached out to several folks in the DIY and organizing spaces and asked how they get started on their projects and how they overcome obstacles. I’m sharing their advice below!
Tanisha Lyons-Porter, owner of Natural Born Organizers, starts off with the big picture: “The first thing to do when wanting to start a declutter or organizing project is to sit, think, and dream. Oh, wait, that’s three things I am asking you to do. Let’s group them together then. Sit and think about how you need the space to function no matter how big or small. Then I want you to dream of the possibilities.”
Interior designer Brady Tolbert, whose DIY channel tufted headboard (see top photo) might be one of the most copied bedroom DIYs ever, has some great advice. His work is also stunning so see more of his bedroom here and more of his portfolio here.
This is what Brady, the creative director at Bobby Berk, does when embarking on a new project: “Pull together a comprehensive plan – there have been so many times, especially when I was first starting out, that I would just jump into a project without really taking stock of the tools, supplies, or items that are needed to then find myself having to stop in the middle of the project to run out and grab what I need, which immediately gets you out of your groove and prevents you from being as productive or creative as possible. By listing out all the supplies you’ll need and the step-by-step process, you can go through it and fill in the gaps as needed.”
Vaishali Sahni, who teaches people how to declutter, clean and organize their homes through her company Tiny and Tidy.co, says: “The first thing I do before starting a project is find inspiration. I usually like to find images on Pinterest or Instagram to help me visualize what the end result will look like. This gets me excited about the project and keeps me motivated throughout the process. “
DIYer Aminah, whose work you can see on her site Neatly Living and on her Instagram here, relies on visuals to help her get started: “I’m a very visual person, so before starting any project, I need a visual representation of what the project will look like. It could be as simple as making a mood board of the colors, textures and designs you plan to use. If you’re more tech savvy, then you can create a 3D rendering of what the completed space will look like. It serves as a great reference to guide you as you begin your project journey.”
“It’s so important that I have all the tools I will need right in front of me first. There is NOTHING worse than having a plan you can’t follow through with because you forgot to purchase the right tools to implement your vision. Do your research, get organized so when you begin there is nothing stopping you from getting your project moving!” says Natalie Papier, who shows off her beautiful home and amazing projects here.
And sometimes, even after we get through the hump of starting out a project, we may run into obstacles or creative blocks. These experts have great advice on how they work through those challenges.
“Creative block is a thing and something that we all face. If it’s styling or a more visual project, I’ll always take a picture of where I am currently at with it, step away from the project, look at the picture and then come back to it. By stepping away and viewing the picture, you sometimes will see it from a different perspective which can then give you creative inspiration to switch things up. Everything always looks different in person than it does in a camera so I’ll always snap pics to see what the viewer will actually see when they see it posted vs. what I am seeing in real life,” Brady says.
Vaishali says, “If I run into an organizing complication, I’ll try to search online for a solution. If I can’t find anything that works or if I start to get demotivated, I usually leave the project for a little bit and start to work on something else. I still keep the project in the back of my mind and eventually I will find a solution and regain my motivation.”
“When you lack the motivation to get organized, I want you to commit to a block of time that is manageable for you. It could be as little as 15-20 minutes. Commit to decluttering and organizing for that amount of time every day to build up your endurance and create consistency,” Tanisha says.
“Running into complications should always be expected. Therefore, it won’t be much of a shock if or when it happens,” Aminah says. “Be flexible in your project deadline and in your design. Having that mindset helps when you encounter any setbacks. Set backs can also diminish motivation so know it’s okay to pause and regroup. Pinterest is such an inspiring platform so when we run into complications and/or lack of motivation, that’s where I head to to mind my mojo!”
Natalie says, “This happens to me ALL the time. You can’t always wait until motivation strikes again so sometimes you have to force yourself to get in there, crank up the tunes, have that audiobook ready to go or even enlist the help of a friend to make it FUN! Seeing a fully completed project is much more gratifying when you know you went that extra step to make it happen!”
I always find it inspiring to hear how others achieve their goals so I hope the advice from these awesome experts serves as the kick you need to get started on your projects this year, no matter how big or small. And stay tuned because I’ll be sharing my personal 2021 project list soon! Happy new year!
