The Inspiration

Go tidy the Sink

It's when I do the chore that I hate the most that some of my greatest inspirations reach me. I sincerely hate washing the dishes. But each time I go through this experience. I learn something new as well as come up with a new or better plan.


As I hear my mother say the plates should be washed its like the weight of those forks, spoons, dishes, cups and pots drop on my shoulder. However, the weight only sinks me for a short while. I just muster the courage and strength to make the work lighter and lighter with each rinse. So again every mickle mek a muckle- the Jamaican slight edge chips in. This is the same principle that can be applied to conquering any daunting task. So for those young adults who live with their parents and teenagers doing chores don't get discouraged when you see the mountain of pots and plates dangerously sharp utensils scattered along the journey. Do not ask if it will it be done but

• when will it be done?
• how will it be done?
• why will it be done?

When 

In this case we have when as a adverb describing your action of 'doing the dishes'. Unlike 'IF' it removes all doubt from your mother's mind and yours for even a second (unless you are a liar). Unlike 'IF', 'WHEN' tells the mind that there is a task to be completed. And a goal has been set. This when may be the time the task may be started or the completion time of the task. Whichever, it will be done.

How

This is by the 'slight edge' of course. Every mickle will finally clean and clear the kitchen sink. For every item completed the weight gets lighter and lighter. For every pot, utensil, plate and cup the work gets easier to be completed. For every scrub with the scouring pad draws you closer to the end. So now you ask me; How will it be done? My answer: get an initial plan, split the task into smaller events and establish a reward system for completing the events.

So I take the contents of the sink and organize them according to their type. Then start washing. I group all the :

• cups
• plates and bowls
• pots
• utensils

Then for example I soap and scrub the utensils first; wash them  off and take a break from standing at the sink. My break is my reward. Build momentum on starting-finishing-rewarding and then very soon you will be finished with that huge mountain of a task.

Why

When you are approaching that big problem in life I think it is very important for you to know 'Why' you are removing this problem. What is the reason you want to complete the task? The reason is that voice that keeps you motivated util completion. The reason gives purpose for seeking your satisfaction.

Your Tools

I didn't bother with what will be done because we already knew the what. But it is key to understand the nature of your problem it helps to formulate a good initial plan to start the task. knowing the nature of the problem also helps in selecting the right tools for the job. My father always says 'the right tool makes the job easier.'

I thought that buying a dish washing liquid from my own business would make 'washing the dishes' more fun but not so. I wash with the guarantee that the organic cleaner I am using is safer for the environment but I still dislike 'washing plates'. The Legacy of Clean Dish Washing Liquid really gets the job done but I could have done the same job with a Pals Dish Washing Liquid (although the quality of finish may be less).

Scotch Brite pad with sponge

The tool affects how and when the job is done. Therefore, my tools include:

• Scotch Brite Scrub Sponge- scouring pad for the plates, utensils and cups
• Legacy of Clean Scouring Pad- for pots and covers



Scouring Pads- http://www.amway.com/Shop/Search/SearchResults.aspx?searchkeyword=scouring%20pads&includeLMS=false&pwsID=HowellKhaliel

• Legacy of Clean Dish Washing Liquid

My favourite dish washing liquid- http://www.amway.com/Shop/Search/SearchResults.aspx?searchkeyword=dish%20washing%20liquid&includeLMS=false&pwsID=HowellKhaliel

Every time I wash I try to finish faster and faster. Using better quality products from my business does not make the job more fun, but these tools have way less of a negative effect on the environment and does the job better.

However the mindset behind the tools is very important. Even with the worst tools on the market, your 'how' and 'why' will get you to the finish line- may be not in record time.

Learning by The Sink

So the process I use to clear my dirty sink brings on touches of insanity and creativity to produce some good works. When I was an active bass-guitarist ideas for some good rhythms and even mastering new skills came from my kitchen sink (although that time I was living at a different location with a different inspiring sink). Some of my topics for blogging are found after some of those plates are cleaned. Almost all the business ideas I am yet to release were birthed by the kitchen sink. Some designs I have drawn came from the sink.

So it's by the sink again I went to question the reason the sink is so inspirational. Then it came to. Its not so much the physical space but the psychological space that spurs my 'think-tank'. It's how the process of washing activates my brain to think that causes me to come up with ideas. So I went through my process of washing, as explained earlier and allowed my thoughts to roam. 

I also think its because of how I have trained myself to deal with doing things I don't want to do. I kind of clear my mind of the lameness of the activity and/ or substitute the boring thoughts of the chore with a game (most times a game I would make up). I remembered doing this for the first time around age 9 when I was asked to sweep up the front yard before going outside to ride my bicycle. So like a good son I started sweeping but sulking and mumbling. But as an even better son I decided to just do it. I started looking at cleaning as a time challenge and racing against the clock I swept like crazy. Up to this day, my 2nd favourite chore is sweeping. So by the time I started washing dishes in grade 5, around age 11, I mastered the Ninja Technique I coined as"Activity Affection Redirection".

I think how I started washing washing was also special in providing me with the environment to repeatedly formulate new ideas. Its the reason why I 'wash the dishes' that move my mind to find solutions for those around me and my self. When you can complete a task for a reason outside your self gratification it gives a special feeling of satisfaction. Happiness if you may. I started washing dishes (and doing more chores on a whole) to please my mom; help make her load lighter. And since that was a reason outside my self and considered greater than myself it gave me a healthy feeling of happiness to see her shocked the first time she came home from work and caught me red handed- clearing up the dirty sink. I thank Mr. Jarrett, my Grade 5 teacher at Naggo's Head Primary for planting that thought of doing things to show maturity and helping out around the house. The same day that Mr. Jarrett gave the class that lesson on maturity, speech on responsibility I went home and was able to make my mom proud. Even its in a small way I made her proud. Yup. Mr. Jarrett inspired me to wash dishes and now even 14yrs later washing dishes can still inspire me towards greater.

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