Tristy Lee -DIY | Home Decor | Art | Project Inspiration

Starting a new project can be scary.  I often find projects that I love, but can I do it? I ask myself this regularly.  Everywhere I go, I see artisans and DIY experts creating beautiful work. We see inspiring creations, and I am often intimidated by the work of masters at their crafts. As we travel, read our favorite magazines, and browse the internet, my husband and I have always been collectors of ideas. We keep Pinterest boards, phones full of pictures, and ideas lists. How do we move a project from the maybe list to starting it?

Can i do it?  Manage your inner doubt

It is easy to think of all the reasons not to start a new project. My negative inner voice always starts shouting out all the reasons I should try a new project.
1. What if the project is too complicated?
2. Have I done anything like this?
3.  Do you have time?
4.  Maybe you should buy one?
5.  What if it turns out awful?
6.  What if you can’t get it done in time?

Here is the reason you should tell that negative voice to “Shut Up.” If I  look back on the projects that have been the most fulfilling, they were those that were scary and where I had to gain new skills.

 DIY Project Evaluation Checklist

So how do I decide if I should start a project where I am scared?
I would never tell you not to try something your interested in, and so far, we have figured out to do almost everything we have attempted.

It can be painful, I know. Here are some of the tips Jet and I use to determine if we want to move forward on a project. We have also created a Project Evaluation Checklist to help you through the process.  Subscribe at the end of the blog.

 Evaluate of a project:

Ask yourself the following questions to help you decide:
1.  How bad do you want it?
2.  What are my options; is it worth a DIY, or should I buy it?
3.  Does it make you excited to think of the finished project?
4.  Do I have the money to invest in the project?
5.  Do you have the time available to dedicate to the project?

YES! So now I’m sure I want to do it.

Here are some tips to help you take away the fears of starting and to evaluate the effort to accomplish the project. The next thing you need to think about is if you have the skills to finish the project. If you have the skills, stop reading and get started now.

Options to get the skills to do it:

If you don’t have the skills, think through your options to move forward on the project.
There some options:
1.  Should you learn a new skill: We start by researching options to learn it. After watching a few videos, we decide if we are going to learn the new skill or get help.
          YouTube: Watch a few videos don’t stop at one since there are several ways to approach projects.
          Pinterest: How to videos or tutorial
          Take a class
          Approach an artisan on teaching you

*Tip: We always use the materials recommended by the video, tutorial, or craftsman. Having the right materials eliminates one additional risk.

2.  How to increase your odds of success:  Start on a small scale version of your more extensive project. If you want to learn to chalk paint furniture, start on a small wooden planter box. Why? Low cost. You can start over if you make mistakes. If it doesn’t work, you can move on to another resource to learn the skill.

3.  Where should I look for help: Think through the people you know.  Do you have a friend or a family member that has that skill?
There are all kinds of websites where people are looking for work.
Can you find an artisan to work with you?

 The rewards of getting it done:

Ultimately the projects with the best reward are those you most want to accomplish where new skills build your confidence. Once you pick a plan, go for it but go small first. Do your homework and then try a low cost, minimal effort trial option. Don’t be afraid to get help when you need it. The world is full of artisans who are just waiting for opportunities to collaborate and teach.

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Make sure you grab your Free Guide to Project Planning. We are always working on new DIY and Home Décor projects. Follow us on Instagram for previews and behind the scenes access to all things Lilies and Jets.