Welcome to another installment of Everyday Stories on Our Homestead! In this episode, I’m talking about how to kick excuses to the curb and actually get things done—yes, this year, not “someday.” If you’re looking to finally tackle that long-delayed project, you’re in the right place. Stick around for a deeper dive later in this blog post, where I’ll share some exceptional tips and tricks to help you seize the day and start checking off those big items on your homestead to-do list!

So I promised to help you get things done and here is how -->

Overcoming Overthinking with DPAR on the Homestead

Introduction: “DPAR”—A Framework for Success
Welcome to Everyday Stories on Our Homestead! I’m Scott, and today we’re diving into a powerful concept called DPAR, introduced by Russell M. Nelson and further developed by Maurice Harker. The premise is simple yet transformative: Discover, Plan, Act, and Reflect (some refer to different words for the same letters, but the idea is the same). This approach helps us move past overthinking and embrace deliberate progress. Recently, I found myself stuck, staring at a leaky drain I had no idea how to fix—until I finally decided to “just start.” In 2025, let’s ditch the excuses and tackle our homestead projects, big or small, using DPAR. Here’s how it works:

D: Discover
At the “D” stage, we discover what actually needs doing and why it matters. Is it a leaky drain threatening to flood the basement? A batch of seeds that need planting before the season slips away? Discovering means looking at the situation clearly, stripping away the excuses (“I don’t have time,” “I’m not good at plumbing,” etc.) and deciding what the real issue is. For me, it was realizing I was overanalyzing the drain problem. Once I admitted the simplest fix was in reach, I’d already taken the first step to solving it.

P: Plan
Next, we plan. A plan doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to break the project into manageable steps. If you’re tackling a homestead project, whether it’s building a chicken coop or finishing your aquaponics system, planning might mean listing needed materials, figuring out a timeline, or setting a budget. In my case, “less is more”: I needed to pick up one or two specific supplies and dedicate just one afternoon to the repair. By keeping the plan simple, I avoided getting swamped by details.

A: Act
Now it’s time to act—the most critical step. “Just start” might sound obvious, but it’s where most people stall. I found myself warming up to the drain repair once I quit analyzing and simply grabbed a wrench. The same applies to your homestead ventures: maybe it’s time to put that orchard expansion on the calendar or dig the first hole for a new garden bed. Action is where we make mistakes, learn, and ultimately see progress. As I found out, even small wins fuel our momentum.

R: Reflect
Finally, reflect. This stage is about pausing to understand what worked, what didn’t, and how you can do it better next time. After I fixed the drain, I realized it was easier than I’d built it up to be in my mind—and I also learned which supplies I should keep on hand for future plumbing hiccups. Reflection cements your lessons and helps you appreciate your effort. It’s also a moment to celebrate, especially if you’ve been telling yourself you “don’t have time” or “don’t know enough.”

Conclusion: Put DPAR into Practice on Your Homestead
As we kick off this new year (hello, 2025!), think of one homestead project you’ve been pushing off—maybe an overdue repair, a new planting area, or a small product you want to sell. Apply DPAR to it: Discover what needs doing and why, Plan your approach in straightforward steps, Act by diving in, and Reflect to gather lessons for the future. I promise, once you do, you’ll feel that rush of satisfaction that comes from turning excuses into achievements. If you want more tips or guidance on bringing your homestead dreams to life, stick around—there’s always more to learn and celebrate together. Now get out there and create a great day!

Resources:
Click Here for the resource where I first heard of DPAR.  It's geared for children and youth but It's a great way to get to know the process that can be used by all of us on our homesteads.
Click Here for more information on Maurice Harker's work with DPAR.  Maurice works specifically with people striving for personal self-mastery, especially those seeking sexual self-mastery (full disclosure),  But his Eternal Warriors program is for anyone seeking self-mastery in any form.  

*These concepts are mine.  I use AI to help me write about them.