“Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” ~Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
As we so fluently approach yet another new year, thoughts of plans, goals, and intentions are flying about like bees on honey in the summer. People everywhere are making resolutions and giving themselves pep talks for the upcoming attempts at getting slimmer, making more money, and being better humans in general. I started thinking about how most of this type of behavior happens at set points in time that society has created as the ultimate diving boards for such endeavors. You have New Year’s, birthdays, Monday, next month… all future times that we rely on to mark the time that we get our asses in gear.
I’m asking, “Why wait to change or be better?”
There really is only now, you know. What would happen if we always just executed our ideas of self-improvement now instead of waiting until some “perfect” time that really isn’t perfect at all? Are we really that addicted to tradition and procrastination? Hey, I’m guilty of this as much as the next person. And, I also understand when you simply can’t do something because it’s not the right time or you have to wait until you get a clear thumbs up from the universe. That’s not what I’m talking about.
I guess I just get irritated at people who treat their bodies like hell for 10 or 11 months of the year, and, then, set some rigid eating and fitness plan into motion on January 1st… or 2nd, depending on how much they drank on the 31st. Wouldn’t it be better to just do what you need to be healthy for 12 months of the year, treat yourself occasionally, and stop the self-abuse once and for all? Maybe what I’m really talking about is discipline and not procrastination.
Wouldn't it be better to just do what you need to be healthy for 12 months of the year, treat yourself occasionally, and stop the self-abuse once and for all? Click To Tweet
After all, putting things off is a symptom of something else, isn’t it? What do you think it is that causes so much putting off? Fear. Laziness. Pride. Low self-esteem. Because that’s the way I’ve done things.
Hmmm… maybe all of the above.
So, what can we do about it?
Well, obviously, this is a short list that could be much longer, but I value your time and my own. The point is to start being more present and try to catch yourself going into the procrastination cycle. The best defense is to not be there.
“My evil genius Procrastination has whispered me to tarry ’til a more convenient season.” ~Mary Todd Lincoln
What things do you often procrastinate and why? Tell us your badass procrastination solutions!
6 Comments
Love these tips, Kellie, and I love how you combine your drive with the importance of taking time to enjoy every minute of the way!
Thanks for your comment, Reba! Yes, I have learned that not incorporating enough fun and self-care causes bad stuff to happen. It’s so important to enjoy your process and value it as much as the goal. xo
I love your message. Yes, the time is now. Losing two close friends in the last year made it even more apparent…we don’t always know what’s in store. In addition to creating the life we want NOW, I, too, feel like we need to love the journey and not always remain focused on the goal as if that’s where only true happiness lives.
I am being more present with my family as I grow my business. As a multi-tasker, I realized that my big WHY is my family so why am I putting them off as I work on my business. Better to do one fully than to do both half-assed.
I enjoyed your post and as far as things I procrastinate on: sometimes jobs that feel really big or don’t seem to have a natural starting point. My procrastination buster is that these jobs often tend to be the ones that bring my gifts out more fully and the sense of accomplishment is much more rich. When I remember that feeling, it helps me to tackle the next similar task more easily.
Deb, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I love that you have recognized the important things in life and are taking steps to ensure balance. Your self-awareness is keen. xo
Good post, girlfriend. While I enjoy taking time at the end of the year to review and plan, I sure don’t wait for 1/1 to make necessary changes. Small steps “now” add up to wonderful things. Happy new year to you.
Good for you, Andrea! You get so much more accomplished that way, and you leave the guilt behind. Happy New Year, my friend! xo