Home Improvement for 2018
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Year’s resolutions. While typical resolutions that appeal to an Eichler owner might involve neglected home maintenance, is there a successful way to create goals that are achievable and that don’t lead to discouragement? |
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Modernism is an attitude and an approach applicable to almost any area of life. New Year's resolutions are no different, as our favorite California modernist, fellow Eichler Network staffer Dave Weinstein, pointed out earlier this month in his 'CA Modernist' column about modern lifestyle.
But what of our love for our homes themselves?
What kind of resolutions about MCM home improvement should we make for 2018 so that we reach the "careful resolutions, unerring decisions" recommended by Greek philosopher Epictetus?
One certainly doesn't want to be caught deciding "to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute," as John Kennedy quoted Winston Churchill in his thesis that evolved into the book While England Slept.
There is no doubt that turning the calendar page can serve as impetus to move on various improvements you've contemplated or postponed.
We asked life coach Jan Johnston-Tyler, CEO of Santa Clara-based Evolibri Consulting, and she said this is a good time, looking ahead to the new year, to break up big goals into achievable tasks and consider the rest of the calendar in your planning.
"Don't try to say, 'This is the year I'm going to do this,' because it might take more than one year," said the Bay native and Berkeley grad, who has a masters in counseling. "You don't want to lose your focus."
Typical resolutions that appeal to an Eichler owner might involve neglected maintenance issues like self-inspecting your roof or getting your radiant heat system tuned up. Alternatively, you may have your eye on additions to your home, such as more closet space or an expanded kitchen. Rising energy prices might push tasks such as installing double-pane windows onto your 2018 plate or, for a less expensive resolution, changing out incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs.
Whether routine or ambitious, you want your goal to be achievable and not a potential discouragement. Don't set yourself up for failure like, say, comedian Nia Vardalos, who confesses, "My New Years resolution list usually starts with the desire to lose between ten and 3,000 pounds."
"If you make them too big, you will never do them," warns Johnston-Tyler, "and if you make too many, it gets overwhelming."
