Need motivating to do housework? Picture this...

Do you lack motivation when it comes to housework? Are you struggling to think of good reasons to tackle the work...again?

It's a common problem. Keeping a home is a unique challenge - it is repetitive and monotonous, and since it will only need doing again, some would even argue it is futile. But your home has a powerful effect on your whole life - and those you live with. So making peace with your housework and finding the necessary motivation to tackle it will be in the best interest of you and your family.

With this in mind (pardon the pun...) I think you'll find the following mental trick very useful and effective. The idea is to utilize a powerful technique that deploys your subconscious mind - requiring less conscious (and begrudging) effort from you.

Sound good?

Allow me to introduce (drum roll, please) the incredible motivational force of ....visualisation! Now, you've no doubt already heard of this popular psychological tool. You may even have used it to achieve a business venture, relationship or health issue etc. But have you ever tried to apply it to your domestic woes?

If not, then now is as good a time as any. So, here goes with my step-by-step guide:

First close your eyes... Only joking. Read this through first, then close your eyes and go through the process in your mind. It's just three simple steps.

Step 1. Picture your home.

Step 2. Now see it after the Magic Cleaning Fairy has been! Every surface is clutter-free. You can see your reflection in your taps. You could eat off your floor. You could even withstand an inspection from your most critical relative.

Make this image as real as you can, smell the freshness, feel those crisp clean sheets, really sense the joy you're feeling in your fabulous spotless home. Feel free to dwell in this happy place as long as you like...

Step 3. When you are feeling utterly proud and happy with your beautiful home, mentally complete this sentence:

The best part about having a gorgeous spotless home is...

You fill in the gap. Whatever comes to mind is the right answer for you.

This little trick will work for you on three levels;

Firstly, you are training your mind to focus on the end-result of your housework. This takes your mind off the wearying effort of doing it. Cue less misery for you...

Secondly, you are awakening your motivations for doing the work. If you discover that your best bit about having a gorgeous spotless home is that you can joyfully invite people round, the thought of this result provides a conscious motivation. You've found good reason to do housework - that's quite an achievement!

Thirdly, visualising a desired end-result throws your sub-conscious mind a challenge (which it loves!). It will work ceaselessly to close the gap between your goal and your current reality.

You will find yourself 'mysteriously' making slightly different decisions. It is these minute shifts in behaviour that will, eventually, get you to your goal.

The more regularly you visualise, and the more enthusiastically you imagine your beautiful, tidy home, and the more you can identify exactly what you get out of it - the sooner you will see it in reality.

Good luck and have fun!