What is procrastination? Procrastination is defined as putting off something that should be done, intentionally and habitually. Procrastination is a virus that poisons the mind or soul.
Is it really a virus? It is, because it can infect every area of your life. Once it gets a hold on your life you always find ways to let it rule over you. You will always be looking for ways to rationalize. I’m not talking about going to the gym or painting your living room. You are an adult and you can decide which of these things have priority in your life. I am talking about telling someone you forgive them, telling someone you love them, working in your dream job, and even getting straight on what you are going to do for eternity. I once heard it said “” Repeat twice… It is actually worse to know and not to do. At least if you don’t know you can plead ignorance. Like a child, “But I didn’t know” The other option is admitting fault. You willingly participate in the act of not doing. I know I should go to church but…I know my brother is in town but…I know I should call my Mom but…These are excuses that we create for us to feel better about the decision we made. Everyone suffers from a form of Procrastination; it is just a matter of what degree the disease has affected you.
Why do we procrastinate?
We have an unfounded belief that there will be a tomorrow. There I said it. There may not be a tomorrow. Don’t get me wrong I am not preaching that the end of the world is coming. I am merely stating that for any one of us, there may not be a tomorrow. You cannot argue that there is no guarantee. You could get hit by a bus leaving work tonight. You could have a heart attack sitting at your desk this afternoon. Do you think the victims of 911 had any idea that they would not be returning home that night? I am not trying to be morbid but I am trying to make a point. If you are completely honest, you put off the really important stuff because you feel like you can get to it later “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Well we all are ticking; ticking time bombs. When it comes to death the odds are 1 to 1 that we will all make it. Let’s not get too depressed thinking about the end. What can you do to make sure your case of Procrastinationitus does not go untreated? Where do you start? The first stage in rehab is admittance. So once you admit to yourself that you have been procrastinating, then what?
What can you do about it?
Action! Action is the only cure for Procrastination. Make a decision and make it happen. Decide what is really important and make sure it does not go undone. Don’t let anyone wander about what your intentions are. Don’t let anyone wander what your feelings are. You have to make it happen. You can always rely on you. What is your dream job and why aren’t you doing that? Les Brown the great motivator said “You should do something you love so much you would do it for free but you do it so well they pay you to do it.” Call your mom, apologize to your brother, and forgive yourself. Gather up the family and go on that dream vacation. I would love to but I can’t afford that. You could start saving, work extra, start making plans. You can do it. Start today. Don’t be a victim. Tell all of your friends and family about your plans and tell them to hold you accountable. I’m not saying quit your job this afternoon and start weaving baskets from your basement. But if weaving baskets is your dream then start making plans to make that transition. Start laying the ground work for Melissa’s Baskets and Accessories, International. Don’t just be luke warm, turn up the heat and make sure the people around you can see the boiling pot of activity you call your life. If you think you can you can and if you think you can’t you are probably right. Now is the time, now is your chance, now not later.
