Maybe it isn’t the project itself, but our expectations that could use a bit of a shift?  After all, if we expect that a project will take 10 steps, but it takes 5 – we are delighted.

Why not assume every 1-step project is really a 5-step project waiting to emerge?  Wouldn’t life be less stressful?

Case in point:  Let’s say you have a door bell that will not do its job.  Knowing that this will be a super quick fix – you run out to change the battery (while your daughter finishes breakfast before school) only to find that you need that top secret screwdriver that came with the doorbell and is the only tool that will work on those “special” top secret doorbell screws.

But all is not lost.  You actually FIND the screwdriver in a little plastic baggie saved for such an occasion in your loosely named “tool” drawer.  Loosely named because it also houses miscellaneous toy parts including Barbie’s head.

You run back outside hoping you can beat your daughter to the car AND cross this task off your list.

You take out the screws and attempt to pry open the battery cover.  Not a chance.  The cover’s rusted shut.  Doesn’t even need those damn screws.

You take a breath and prepare for round two.

2 days later, you are ready to attempt Operation Doorbell, again.  You head outside with a fondue fork that looks like it might be able to budge that battery cover.

Through sheer will and a little sweat on the brow, you pry the cover off only to find a small round metal disc where a battery should be.  Really?

This is not  AA, AAA or any battery you or anyone else has in their stash of new batteries.  Time to regroup.

Meanwhile, the mailman, 2 play-dates and your in-laws have quite a challenge when trying to enter your top secret lair with the silent doorbell. When you find your sister actually trying to pick your front door lock to get in, you realize the problem needs to get solved.

It’s another day before you have the chance to stop at the store on your way home from work.  But like 007, when you do get there, you achieve your objective and purchase the correct battery.

Unfortunately, between work, school, your mother’s birthday and the holidays around the corner, it’s another couple of days before you muster the courage to get back on that horse and ride out to the front door again, battery in hand.

You deftly slip the disc into place.  Put the cover on.  Attach the useless screws for decorative purposes.  Press the doorbell and…

Silence.

AAARGH!  Your diabolical nemesis turns out to be a two part process.  There is also a battery pack for this doorbell inside the house.

You consider the merits of asking people to simply knock on the door.

The next evening after the children are asleep, you arm yourself with a glass of wine and crack the code on the indoor battery pack.  Voila!  You find that it takes a battery that is readily available on planet Earth.

Presto Chango!

Ding Dong!!! Oh what a lovely sound!

You wonder if you could have survived that process with less angst if you had known it would take a week instead of expecting a 5 minute fix?

Coach Me Quick Tips for Accepting the Odyssey:

1.  It’s a Process,  Assume that a “1-step project” is merely the first step of a larger project and be pleasantly surprised if it takes just 1 step.

2.  Allow extra time to do the projects on your list whether its decorating the house, wrapping the gifts, cleaning out the pantry or getting the dishwasher repaired.

3.  Shift your expectation. Expect each project to be a series of easy steps that will unfold as you go along.

4.  Accept the fact that unimportant tasks take time, just like important tasks.

5.  Don’t give up.  Keep taking the next step – knowing it is leading to a solution.

Jamee

Photo credit: Tom Magliery via Compfight