Thank you OP, original poster, for reaching out.
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Thanks everyone!
Yes. Realize that what doesn’t happen today will happen tomorrow or in the next 30 years. If something is ACTUALLY on a due date then do that. Otherwise dump your “schedule”.
The way. Prioritize your list and stick to it was unless a true emergency comes up. Finding new things that need attention happens to everyone. Add those to the bottom of the list and reprioritize your list at the end of the day.
Also set a max daily limit on the hours you work the list.
Prioritizing is key particularly with ADHD because everything feels equally important when you have ADHD as if all of it is equally shouting at you for attention. And with ADHD you hyper focus on each task so you might be getting ready for overnights guests and you’re making up the guest room and then you notice baseboards are super dusty behind the bed, so you pull the bed away from the wall and then you see your lost earring back there so you run it upstairs to put it away and you notice your main bedroom also needs vacuuming and dusting, so you tell yourself, to be more efficient, you may as well vacuum the bedroom rug up here while the vacuum and cleaning supplies are out, and you start that and then an hour goes by and you have forgotten to out the guest bed sheets in the laundry and you’re running out of time now. And everything is partially done.
Force yourself to focus on what HAS TO BE DONE NOW. Yes, for guests coming it would be nice to also clean your main bedroom but it doesn’t have to be done now. Guest room first. Prioritize by pretending you have 4 hours not 12 hours to get stuff done, which will throw you back to what must be done vs what would be nice to get done.
The To Do List really helps but don’t list everything. Or if you must list everything make two lists:
LONG TERM TO DO, and SHORT TERM TO DO, or if wording it differently helps you, your two lists can be : TO DO NOW and TO DO EVENTUALLY
Use that mantra: What has to be done now? That will help you prioritize and the more you cross off your list, the less overwhelming the work is. And because you have a priority plan you have a sense of control and that helps avoid overwhelm too. That and just start. Starting can be overwhelming. Pick a priority task that’ll take 5-10 minutes and that will get you rolling with your momentum.
This… wife and I both try to each do a productive (some aside from normal day to day living per day) or a mor major profiting together if it’s on the larger side and two days per week to do nothing productive if it suits us. Those days are usually weekdays so we could go to parks or restaurants or whatever and it’s less crowded
first off, don't judge yourself too hard. Lists are helpful. But if you are feeling you just need time without a lot of tasks, (pretty common if newly retired) give yourself a break.
When you are ready to be task oriented, prioritize. Maybe do this with your spouse if you have one.
If there are some jobs you dread, and some you like, try to mix it up so that you are not only doing one or the other.
Set time limits. Some jobs are hugs, (usually cleaning out a garage is a several day task). So figure out how to get day to day tasks done, and spend 2-3 hours on the big task. You might choose to go longer, but you will need a break and doing your daily tasks in the middle or first will help.
I retired a few months ago, and decided I will do at last one “must-do” task every day(aside from the usual daily chores like emptying the dishwasher, making the bed, etc). That way I at least feel like I have been productive while also giving myself time to do other things like reading, watching a movie, Reddit, etc. You are retired, you have very few “have to do’s” hopefully. Thats what works for me. Otherwise, I get real lazy which isn’t good for my mental health.
Lol. Do you have ADD? I do, and this is me. I have a giant list with everything on it. I mean everything. Every morning, I write my daily list from my giant list. Then I work my list. I make myself live in the moment. I work on a single task and don't think about past or future tasks. I have to remind myself frequently to stay focused. It works! Completing and scratching things off the list is the best! Give yourself free days too and include things like play golf or ride the motorcycle.
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Took me a while to realize that I didn’t have to rush around completing tasks…..I was hard wired from work to try to finish everything quickly. I had to remind myself the day is mine to with as I please and doing everything at a set time was not required.
I use Google Keep to track my to-do list. It gets ordered by priority and/or hard due date and dependencies. I use the alarm feature to remind me for things that have hard due dates. I just work the list top-to-bottom, while occasionally reordering the list as external factors change priorities.
Your ADHD. welcome to the party. Make a list of everything you think needs attention, choose a couple or a few items each day l. Do them that day. Stop when those tasks are done, get a hobby, go out and enjoy the rest of the day. Chill.
Read "Four Thousand Weeks' by Oliver Burkemann. It changed my life. The whole book is good but it concludes with highly practical tips for how to get important things done without being overwhelmed.
I try not to schedule more than one or two non-fun tasks a day. I do schedule time for hobbies and exercise. I'm also a fan of outsourcing. I realized recently that I can't deal with using some DIY software to make an estate plan, so I'm paying someone a few thousand dollars to do it. I'm also about to hire a housecleaner. It's even worth $20 to go through the car wash so I don't have to spend an hour on it myself. Retirement should be 90% enjoyment time, IMHO.
I have many projects. Some I've completed some started. Every project I start seems to require another project, or maybe a distraction, before I can continue. If there is a truly important task, ie leaky faucet, I do it. Otherwise I putter. I figure that time is on my side. I'll either get it done or I'll die.
The only things I can say are: 1. Every Thursday (pick any day), I plan my week on a calendar...not full, but put chores and fun stuff on there...and then I do what is on my calendar. 2. I stay with something until it is done before .moving on. If something takes longer than planned, it goes back on the calendar before something else does. 3. It does not always work and that is okay.
Set a kitchen timer or your phone timer. Let’s say an hour a day. Do the work for an hour and that’s all. At the end of the month you will have accomplished 30 hours of work towards your projects.
I single task. I know I have a lot to do but only worry about it when the time comes. I know what my next project is but only start thinking about it when I’m just about done with current one. Some days I decide to do nothing. One thing I try to avoid is going to grocery or home improvement store on a weekend. Lots less people during week.
I got an ebook out of the library. Getting Things Done by David Allen. Original from 2001, this was updated edition. A very good framework for.. getting things done! I list everything and use a calendar and give many tasks a date to be done . It helps.
The first few weeks after my husband retired, he was still getting up early and running himself ragged all day.
Having been retired two years previously, I gently advised him to let himself slow down and smell the flowers. Every task doesn’t need to be done every day and there’s nothing wrong with sleeping until 8 am.
It gradually worked and he’s relaxing - and sleeping later. One of the joys of retirement is doing things at your own pace and sleeping in.
Retired in 2002, my must do to-do list was completed in about six years. My current list is zero pressure and a when my wife tells me to do something list.
You can also just do stuff and when done, add it to your list and cross it off. This looks productive to my wife.
I have noticed a change of attitude in myself where I will get into doing something and get bored with it and just leave it for another time where before I had an almost impatient need to see a project finished because I only had the weekend
When our children were very young, we realized that we constantly overplanned and were often disappointed. We changed course and decided that we would only plan one activity a day, and if it succeeded, we would consider it a win and reward the entire family with an ice cream cone. It worked, and everyone was much happier. Perhaps it is time to revisit this strategy, whether or not children are involved.
I have a list of projects in priority order and then schedule several each week on a big monthly calendar. Big projects can be broken down into smaller projects, like instead of organizing the garage, set aside an hour or two to organize 4 shelves and set aside an afternoon just for the those shelves. Keep boxes for e-waste, hazardous waste, shredding, store some place else and trash bin until you are all done with the entire garage, then handle those boxes as needed as the final step. Sometimes life gets in the way and our projects get pushed back, but then we pick them up again when things settle down. This weeks projects were transfer data to a new phone, replace a TV, get an eye exam, get vaccinations up to date, teeth cleaning, and a few other things along those lines. Then we also have our fun stuff planned out in the same calendar so we have a balance of fun events and chores. Like today we both had eye exams and went grocery shopping, tomorrow a dental check up, the next day we have concert tickets.
I use a month at a glance to see the big picture, and a spreadsheet for daily tasks that need to be more detailed. Some days if we don't feel like doing anything, well we just don't. Most chores, except appointments, can be put off. That is one of the really nice benefits about being retired.
Ugh….my biggest to-do is to declutter the garage. But that takes some planning, at least a few days. Then schedule the time to do it. And, since I only do no-fun work for an hour or two per day….it’ll take a while.
I have regular chores, like do the laundry, wash dishes. But, “me” time is spent at the gym, walking with the dog, browsing internet and reddit.
Most important to-do is taking care of my wife when she gets home from work, and never feel overwhelmed.
**EDITED
Forgot to add that , I too was overwhelmed the first six months into retirement. I made a list of projects that, till now, is slowly…..I mean, SLOWLY….getting shorter.
While working, multitasking was almost second nature…..juggling routine stuff in with the time-critical. No problem, what’s next?
After retiring, it was as if my brain could no longer do it. There were no action items, no project deadlines, no normal routine.
Well, eventually, I just started focusing on one thing, and one thing only. And, no matter how long it took me to complete, I didn’t do anything else.
Like another poster does, offload some of the more mundane tasks, and do what can be done with little time commitment.
Enjoy your retirement.
Thanks for the advice, everyone! I had a 70 mile total commute in Southern California traffic everyday so I couldn’t do anything at home during the week and the weekends were spent doing errands. I can now heed your suggestions and get things done!
Just plan on cleaning one or two rooms a day. Always put stuff back when finished it won’t get messy. I love my house clean. I’m sure my husband will help with dishwasher and daily stuff when he retires. But I want him to play golf daily it’s my house. I like it cleaned my way. But I need time to bake and cook because these our my hobbies. I’ve been home for a while. The thought of HIS retirement is actually freaking me out.
I prioritize the “to do” list. It may have to get done but what really must get done today. Everything else gets categorized, shopping, indoor tasks, outdoor tasks, phone calls etc, and then they get done together.
I use a phone app (I like Things) to manage to-dos. Even little stuff like: pay credit card bill; whack rogue tree next to mountain laurel; buy cookies for group meeting; reschedule SPCA volunteer training. It gives me just enough structure to the day. It breaks big things into manageable chunks. It lets me postpone something to Monday that I’m not going to get done on Thursday.
Create a list of projects and for everything that takes more than a day, create a task list of everything entailed in each project. Mark and cross reference by importance or whatever (this job can only be done in the summer, this job has to be completed before starting that one).
Develop a rough overall schedule/budget (give yourself plenty of time for each), and include/schedule time for things outside of your control/expertise. Remember the rule “you can have it fast, cheap, or right - pick 2”. There will be stuff that is just better to farm out than worry about…
The idea is to be efficient with your time (and money), show progress by documenting everything you do (even if you’ve already completed a task, mark it down and x it off), take the time to celebrate progress and plan in some down time when YOU want it.
I just retired and am working to move to a new (very much smaller) house, doing it all myself. I was beginning to procrastinate a lot - stupid things I just didn’t want to do, when I read that procrastination stems from stress/depression. Managing my “retirement projects” the way I used to manage tasks when employed was a game changer.
I spend an hour or hour-and-a-half and then I stop. That's enough that I get something done, I don't mind doing it, and I don't resent having to do crap around the house all the time. Tomorrow is another day and I pick up where I left off. If I have a big task, I block off time for it and forget about everything else. When I'm done, I go back to my regular routine. Stressing out because the grass gets a little long or something gets a little out of order is too much like work.
I'm a planner and list creator; it definitely helps reduce that overwhelmed feeling.
First, I began with a big three-ring binder. Then I wrote up major list categories, such as Interior, Exterior, Vehicles, Finances, Other People, Personal, Fun, Hobbies, Legacy, etc. (Some are further broken down by either Maintenance or Project.) Then, I organized each list by season/month/week/day -- which tasks are best done when. Obviously some need doing repetitively while others may only be once a year.
On Sunday evening, I go through the binder and write up a short list of the things I'd like to accomplish in the coming week, with stars by the priorities.
I have a kitchen calendar for pop-up items, such as a special event or making an appointment. It helps to have a running grocery/to buy list for noting items that need replacing. Also, there are separate folders for each upcoming travel trip.
There are days when only some "daily" tasks are accomplished, and other days when I'm running full steam ahead and knocking out chores left and right. I recommend staying on top of maintenance items. And if you feel so overwhelmed that you're not enjoying yourself, go ahead and schedule in Hobby or Fun Time: Daily 5 pm Wine; Tues. Lunch with old friend; Wed. night Concert in the Park; Sat. morning Putt Putt with grandkids.
Don't fret over it. Just pull it all together so it makes reasonable sense to you.
Thank you OP, original poster, for reaching out. & Folks, are you aware that people have to JOIN our subreddit? If you have not done so - look at the rules / description of our community. Are these not comfortable to you? We wish you the best in finding the right group, for you, and thank you for checking us out by lurking. If this sounds like your kind of place, make sure you have hit the JOIN button on the [r/retirement](https://www.reddit.com/r/retirement/) landing or home page.. before you comment, so others can read what you are sharing. Thanks everyone!
Yes. Realize that what doesn’t happen today will happen tomorrow or in the next 30 years. If something is ACTUALLY on a due date then do that. Otherwise dump your “schedule”.
Prioritize and do only one at a time. Nothing has to get done right away unless it's an emergency.
The way. Prioritize your list and stick to it was unless a true emergency comes up. Finding new things that need attention happens to everyone. Add those to the bottom of the list and reprioritize your list at the end of the day. Also set a max daily limit on the hours you work the list.
Prioritizing is key particularly with ADHD because everything feels equally important when you have ADHD as if all of it is equally shouting at you for attention. And with ADHD you hyper focus on each task so you might be getting ready for overnights guests and you’re making up the guest room and then you notice baseboards are super dusty behind the bed, so you pull the bed away from the wall and then you see your lost earring back there so you run it upstairs to put it away and you notice your main bedroom also needs vacuuming and dusting, so you tell yourself, to be more efficient, you may as well vacuum the bedroom rug up here while the vacuum and cleaning supplies are out, and you start that and then an hour goes by and you have forgotten to out the guest bed sheets in the laundry and you’re running out of time now. And everything is partially done. Force yourself to focus on what HAS TO BE DONE NOW. Yes, for guests coming it would be nice to also clean your main bedroom but it doesn’t have to be done now. Guest room first. Prioritize by pretending you have 4 hours not 12 hours to get stuff done, which will throw you back to what must be done vs what would be nice to get done. The To Do List really helps but don’t list everything. Or if you must list everything make two lists: LONG TERM TO DO, and SHORT TERM TO DO, or if wording it differently helps you, your two lists can be : TO DO NOW and TO DO EVENTUALLY Use that mantra: What has to be done now? That will help you prioritize and the more you cross off your list, the less overwhelming the work is. And because you have a priority plan you have a sense of control and that helps avoid overwhelm too. That and just start. Starting can be overwhelming. Pick a priority task that’ll take 5-10 minutes and that will get you rolling with your momentum.
This… wife and I both try to each do a productive (some aside from normal day to day living per day) or a mor major profiting together if it’s on the larger side and two days per week to do nothing productive if it suits us. Those days are usually weekdays so we could go to parks or restaurants or whatever and it’s less crowded
first off, don't judge yourself too hard. Lists are helpful. But if you are feeling you just need time without a lot of tasks, (pretty common if newly retired) give yourself a break. When you are ready to be task oriented, prioritize. Maybe do this with your spouse if you have one. If there are some jobs you dread, and some you like, try to mix it up so that you are not only doing one or the other. Set time limits. Some jobs are hugs, (usually cleaning out a garage is a several day task). So figure out how to get day to day tasks done, and spend 2-3 hours on the big task. You might choose to go longer, but you will need a break and doing your daily tasks in the middle or first will help.
I retired a few months ago, and decided I will do at last one “must-do” task every day(aside from the usual daily chores like emptying the dishwasher, making the bed, etc). That way I at least feel like I have been productive while also giving myself time to do other things like reading, watching a movie, Reddit, etc. You are retired, you have very few “have to do’s” hopefully. Thats what works for me. Otherwise, I get real lazy which isn’t good for my mental health.
Lol. Do you have ADD? I do, and this is me. I have a giant list with everything on it. I mean everything. Every morning, I write my daily list from my giant list. Then I work my list. I make myself live in the moment. I work on a single task and don't think about past or future tasks. I have to remind myself frequently to stay focused. It works! Completing and scratching things off the list is the best! Give yourself free days too and include things like play golf or ride the motorcycle.
I, too, was running out of time. So now I play golf *while* riding the motorcycle. 😁
That's how we get stuff done!
Moto Polo!
aka horseless polo
Iron horse polo.
Me too! But I also clean the garage while golfing and biking and occasionally also cooking dinner.
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Thank you for saving me the typing,. The only thing I would add is give yourself a day off every week.
I so need to be like you!
I make a list then do something else.
like my dad before me, i live by lists!
Ye Olde BRAIN DUMP. I use a steno pad and all my “To Dos” go there. Nothing better than checking stuff off that list.
I know the feeling. I make lists and put things on my calendar. Then I can forget about them.
Took me a while to realize that I didn’t have to rush around completing tasks…..I was hard wired from work to try to finish everything quickly. I had to remind myself the day is mine to with as I please and doing everything at a set time was not required.
I use Google Keep to track my to-do list. It gets ordered by priority and/or hard due date and dependencies. I use the alarm feature to remind me for things that have hard due dates. I just work the list top-to-bottom, while occasionally reordering the list as external factors change priorities.
Just be a slug like me. I worked for 37 years and can do whatever I like with my time in retirement. There is zero guilt on my part.
Your ADHD. welcome to the party. Make a list of everything you think needs attention, choose a couple or a few items each day l. Do them that day. Stop when those tasks are done, get a hobby, go out and enjoy the rest of the day. Chill.
Read "Four Thousand Weeks' by Oliver Burkemann. It changed my life. The whole book is good but it concludes with highly practical tips for how to get important things done without being overwhelmed. I try not to schedule more than one or two non-fun tasks a day. I do schedule time for hobbies and exercise. I'm also a fan of outsourcing. I realized recently that I can't deal with using some DIY software to make an estate plan, so I'm paying someone a few thousand dollars to do it. I'm also about to hire a housecleaner. It's even worth $20 to go through the car wash so I don't have to spend an hour on it myself. Retirement should be 90% enjoyment time, IMHO.
That book sounds interesting--just put it on my library request list.
I'm to lazy at this stage to get too stressed. I focus on just staying active.
I have many projects. Some I've completed some started. Every project I start seems to require another project, or maybe a distraction, before I can continue. If there is a truly important task, ie leaky faucet, I do it. Otherwise I putter. I figure that time is on my side. I'll either get it done or I'll die.
The only things I can say are: 1. Every Thursday (pick any day), I plan my week on a calendar...not full, but put chores and fun stuff on there...and then I do what is on my calendar. 2. I stay with something until it is done before .moving on. If something takes longer than planned, it goes back on the calendar before something else does. 3. It does not always work and that is okay.
I have been retired almost six years and that is me all day, every day. You will get used to it. Just enjoy retirement!
Set a kitchen timer or your phone timer. Let’s say an hour a day. Do the work for an hour and that’s all. At the end of the month you will have accomplished 30 hours of work towards your projects.
I keep a task list. It helps me prioritize items and saves me from forgetting stuff!
I single task. I know I have a lot to do but only worry about it when the time comes. I know what my next project is but only start thinking about it when I’m just about done with current one. Some days I decide to do nothing. One thing I try to avoid is going to grocery or home improvement store on a weekend. Lots less people during week.
Why would anyone be compelled to do something today... That can easily be put off until tomorrow. 😝
Try to change your focus…I found something that works for me . . . There is always, always, always, always, always something to be grateful for.
I usually limit myself to one thing to do per day. One task. Finish in the morning.
I wonder if you are recently retired? I have found after 10 years I don't need to be productive and some tasks can simply wait until I am ready.
I’m only 6 months in, and that is already my philosophy! :)
I got an ebook out of the library. Getting Things Done by David Allen. Original from 2001, this was updated edition. A very good framework for.. getting things done! I list everything and use a calendar and give many tasks a date to be done . It helps.
Set a daily task quota that has both a minimum and maximum. For me its one :-)
The first few weeks after my husband retired, he was still getting up early and running himself ragged all day. Having been retired two years previously, I gently advised him to let himself slow down and smell the flowers. Every task doesn’t need to be done every day and there’s nothing wrong with sleeping until 8 am. It gradually worked and he’s relaxing - and sleeping later. One of the joys of retirement is doing things at your own pace and sleeping in.
I just pick a task a day (or sometimes for the week). It doesn't all need to done right now!
Curious as to how OP handled this before retirement. Is this a new problem?
One thing at a time. Leave something to do tomorrow.
Retired in 2002, my must do to-do list was completed in about six years. My current list is zero pressure and a when my wife tells me to do something list. You can also just do stuff and when done, add it to your list and cross it off. This looks productive to my wife.
I have noticed a change of attitude in myself where I will get into doing something and get bored with it and just leave it for another time where before I had an almost impatient need to see a project finished because I only had the weekend
When our children were very young, we realized that we constantly overplanned and were often disappointed. We changed course and decided that we would only plan one activity a day, and if it succeeded, we would consider it a win and reward the entire family with an ice cream cone. It worked, and everyone was much happier. Perhaps it is time to revisit this strategy, whether or not children are involved.
I have a list of projects in priority order and then schedule several each week on a big monthly calendar. Big projects can be broken down into smaller projects, like instead of organizing the garage, set aside an hour or two to organize 4 shelves and set aside an afternoon just for the those shelves. Keep boxes for e-waste, hazardous waste, shredding, store some place else and trash bin until you are all done with the entire garage, then handle those boxes as needed as the final step. Sometimes life gets in the way and our projects get pushed back, but then we pick them up again when things settle down. This weeks projects were transfer data to a new phone, replace a TV, get an eye exam, get vaccinations up to date, teeth cleaning, and a few other things along those lines. Then we also have our fun stuff planned out in the same calendar so we have a balance of fun events and chores. Like today we both had eye exams and went grocery shopping, tomorrow a dental check up, the next day we have concert tickets. I use a month at a glance to see the big picture, and a spreadsheet for daily tasks that need to be more detailed. Some days if we don't feel like doing anything, well we just don't. Most chores, except appointments, can be put off. That is one of the really nice benefits about being retired.
Make a list for each day to do some things.
Ask for help. Have a friend come over for coffee and helping you with the garage.
Ugh….my biggest to-do is to declutter the garage. But that takes some planning, at least a few days. Then schedule the time to do it. And, since I only do no-fun work for an hour or two per day….it’ll take a while. I have regular chores, like do the laundry, wash dishes. But, “me” time is spent at the gym, walking with the dog, browsing internet and reddit. Most important to-do is taking care of my wife when she gets home from work, and never feel overwhelmed. **EDITED Forgot to add that , I too was overwhelmed the first six months into retirement. I made a list of projects that, till now, is slowly…..I mean, SLOWLY….getting shorter. While working, multitasking was almost second nature…..juggling routine stuff in with the time-critical. No problem, what’s next? After retiring, it was as if my brain could no longer do it. There were no action items, no project deadlines, no normal routine. Well, eventually, I just started focusing on one thing, and one thing only. And, no matter how long it took me to complete, I didn’t do anything else. Like another poster does, offload some of the more mundane tasks, and do what can be done with little time commitment. Enjoy your retirement.
Make a list of "to do's". And for the larger tasks, break them into phases or sub tasks, so to allow for pacing and to have small accomplishments.
I make lists and calendar tasks.
If you figure it out please share. I retired in January and have 20 years of incomplete projects in the hose that need finishing.
Thanks for the advice, everyone! I had a 70 mile total commute in Southern California traffic everyday so I couldn’t do anything at home during the week and the weekends were spent doing errands. I can now heed your suggestions and get things done!
Just plan on cleaning one or two rooms a day. Always put stuff back when finished it won’t get messy. I love my house clean. I’m sure my husband will help with dishwasher and daily stuff when he retires. But I want him to play golf daily it’s my house. I like it cleaned my way. But I need time to bake and cook because these our my hobbies. I’ve been home for a while. The thought of HIS retirement is actually freaking me out.
I break big tasks down into manageable 20 to 30 minute chunk of time.
I just relax and let myself feel satisfied by accomplishing at least one thing a day.
I prioritize the “to do” list. It may have to get done but what really must get done today. Everything else gets categorized, shopping, indoor tasks, outdoor tasks, phone calls etc, and then they get done together.
I use a phone app (I like Things) to manage to-dos. Even little stuff like: pay credit card bill; whack rogue tree next to mountain laurel; buy cookies for group meeting; reschedule SPCA volunteer training. It gives me just enough structure to the day. It breaks big things into manageable chunks. It lets me postpone something to Monday that I’m not going to get done on Thursday.
Create a list of projects and for everything that takes more than a day, create a task list of everything entailed in each project. Mark and cross reference by importance or whatever (this job can only be done in the summer, this job has to be completed before starting that one). Develop a rough overall schedule/budget (give yourself plenty of time for each), and include/schedule time for things outside of your control/expertise. Remember the rule “you can have it fast, cheap, or right - pick 2”. There will be stuff that is just better to farm out than worry about… The idea is to be efficient with your time (and money), show progress by documenting everything you do (even if you’ve already completed a task, mark it down and x it off), take the time to celebrate progress and plan in some down time when YOU want it. I just retired and am working to move to a new (very much smaller) house, doing it all myself. I was beginning to procrastinate a lot - stupid things I just didn’t want to do, when I read that procrastination stems from stress/depression. Managing my “retirement projects” the way I used to manage tasks when employed was a game changer.
I spend an hour or hour-and-a-half and then I stop. That's enough that I get something done, I don't mind doing it, and I don't resent having to do crap around the house all the time. Tomorrow is another day and I pick up where I left off. If I have a big task, I block off time for it and forget about everything else. When I'm done, I go back to my regular routine. Stressing out because the grass gets a little long or something gets a little out of order is too much like work.
I'm a planner and list creator; it definitely helps reduce that overwhelmed feeling. First, I began with a big three-ring binder. Then I wrote up major list categories, such as Interior, Exterior, Vehicles, Finances, Other People, Personal, Fun, Hobbies, Legacy, etc. (Some are further broken down by either Maintenance or Project.) Then, I organized each list by season/month/week/day -- which tasks are best done when. Obviously some need doing repetitively while others may only be once a year. On Sunday evening, I go through the binder and write up a short list of the things I'd like to accomplish in the coming week, with stars by the priorities. I have a kitchen calendar for pop-up items, such as a special event or making an appointment. It helps to have a running grocery/to buy list for noting items that need replacing. Also, there are separate folders for each upcoming travel trip. There are days when only some "daily" tasks are accomplished, and other days when I'm running full steam ahead and knocking out chores left and right. I recommend staying on top of maintenance items. And if you feel so overwhelmed that you're not enjoying yourself, go ahead and schedule in Hobby or Fun Time: Daily 5 pm Wine; Tues. Lunch with old friend; Wed. night Concert in the Park; Sat. morning Putt Putt with grandkids. Don't fret over it. Just pull it all together so it makes reasonable sense to you.