I think everyone approaches/feels about cleaning in different ways. Just like people have different standards of "clean". What is just fine for one person may be super overkill for another -
Some people clean when they are stressed - the act of cleaning - of setting something to rights acts as a sort of therapy for them.
Some people enjoy cleaning for its own sake. Others can't stand the thought of it and only do what they have to. Some of us may be a mix of all of these depending on the day or the time of our lives, the things we are dealing with, etc.
Some people are self-described "cleaning perfectionists" and are often dissatisfied with the progress/accomplishments they do make because they see so much more that need/want to do. Sometimes the desire to want to "do it perfectly" can prevent projects from starting at all.
Everyone has different priorities in life. I happen to be one of those people - at least at this point in my life - that is actually bothered when I feel the house isn't clean or that things are cluttered and untidy.
I'm not talking toys and normal day to day clutter but the long term clutter - the homeless items - the paper stacks - etc.
It really gets me down if I live with that state of things for too long. So for me to BE in a better mood, I'm learning to slowly take control back - building little habits one at a time - so that I avoid feeling frustrated about the house and can focus on other things. Playing with DS, talking with DH, working on my craft projects, etc.
Cleaning plans like the HGP are a mixed blessing - there is so much to aspire to - but I think it is a rare thing that the stars align just so and one of us MHHer's actually finishes
every single thing we hoped to do. LOL
I've gleaned so much wisdom from the group on this board - and before MHH from the Organized Christmas forums we had! I've learned to shoot for items 1-10 but to be happy that I at least got items 2 and 5 done!
I've learned to give myself "permission" to not do it all - all the time.
I really do feel like a gerbil running on a little wheel alot of the time. So much of what we do in the house is repetitive. In my less optimistic moments, I've felt like the person sentenced to moving a pile of rocks, one by one, to a different location - only to turn around and have to move it back again - and on and on...
Maybe that is why I get "excited" about the HGP - at least alot of the tasks I will be attempting aren't ones I do day in and day out.
I guess what I am trying to say is - if you are looking for inspiration, support, great ideas, optimism and real heart - this is perfect place to find it!
Whatever plan or approach anyone decides to use - everyone here is so great at supporting one another - looking at the accomplishments and not the absence of them. That is probably another BIG reason I look forward to the HGP each year!