Wednesday, October 2, 2002

To-do lists rampant, often lengthy, study reveals

But folks feel gratified when they're completed

If you think American homeowners waste their free time on trivial pursuits, a new study dispels that notion. Instead, large numbers are driven by to-do lists that keep them focused on home improvement projects throughout the year.

In addition, the vast majority surveyed report that rather than dreading the list, they actually feel a real sense of accomplishment in their lives when they finally cross a completed item off the list.

Can it be that the more you do around the house, the better you'll feel about yourself? Ace Hardware Corporation pondered that theory when it commissioned "America's To-Do List" Study of 1,000 American homeowners.

A whopping 75 percent of American homeowners maintain some sort of to-do list, either a written or a mental list. And, many of these lists are lengthy. Remarkably, one in 10 people have 10 tasks or more on their lists. Half have at least three items they are planning to complete.

Sense of accomplishment

Whether to-do list items are written or committed to memory, virtually everyone, 89 percent, agrees they feel gratified when projects are completed. People under age 55 are more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment, although, at the same time, feel a bit more pressure and stress when dealing with home projects than their older counterparts.

"Using a to-do list breaks down what could be viewed as overwhelming projects into doable parts," said Dr. Martin Steigman, a Chicago clinical psychologist and psychotherapist and professor at Northeastern Illinois University. "And, as the person completes each task, he or she feels good about it because it provides relief from the 'overwhelmed' feeling and, therefore, is encouraged to try the next one."

This feeling of accomplishment appears to have led many folks, 67 percent, to proudly proclaim they are a "do-it-yourself" kind of person when it comes to home improvement chores. And, 66 percent reported they try to plan ahead for home projects to avoid emergencies.

"Most people think of their homes as both an asset and a comfort zone," said Paula Erickson, consumer affairs manager for Ace Hardware. "They want to ensure every home product works, so they plan ahead to either head off potential problems or complete the projects that will enhance the enjoyment of their homes."

This helps explain why, according to Erickson, that more than one-third, 36 percent, reported a task is placed on the to-do list because it is a preventive maintenance chore. Another 41 percent said the to-do list mostly includes things that wear out and need repair.

Four areas dominate

upcoming to-do's

Four home project areas dominate Americans' to-do list activities, the study revealed.

Sixty-three percent said they likely will reorganize storage areas in their homes. Nearly an equal number, 62 percent, will enhance, improve or change something in their yards. More than half will hang pictures or art (52 percent) and paint the inside of the home (51 percent).

About a third will tackle repairs such as fixing an item using glue or epoxy (39 percent), replacing an electrical switch, outlet or light (36 percent), changing or replacing a faucet or showerhead (36 percent), repairing walls or millwork (34 percent) and repairing windows and screens (30 percent).

More than one-fourth will paint their home's exterior (28 percent), change or replace a plumbing fixture (26 percent), enhance their home's safety and security (25 percent) and repair a driveway (25 percent).

No matter what the project, nearly half agree it is important to have the latest tools and equipment.

Getting the job done

People are equally divided when asked about the longest period of time an item has remained on their to-do list. One-third reported up to three months, another third said three months to a year and another third more than a year. Coincidentally, nearly a third admitted they procrastinate when it comes to completing projects around the house.

"Human beings are born procrastinators," added Dr. Steigman. "We just need to discipline ourselves to focus on and complete tasks in a timely manner."

"America's To-Do List" Study, conducted by an independent research firm, surveyed by telephone a national probability sample of 1,000 adults living in private households in the continental United States.

More information on Ace can be found at www.acehardware.com.

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