Anyone who has read more even a handful of blog posts has surely read at least one that falls into the category of a listicle. You know the posts I mean – Five reasons for this, Twelve tips on that… I’ve done them too like here and here.
And I wish this was a list post. I really do! It’s not that I’m so in love with list posts – they’re fine – it’s just I can’t give you five tips on how to avoid procrastinating.
Sure, I could do a Google search and come up with many reasons. I could even draw a couple from my own observations and experiences.
But it would be disingenuous, unauthentic.
I’m not a natural procrastinator. It’s not in my DNA. I’m a doer and come from a line of doers.
Check this out:
I put away the groceries the minute I walk in the door.
I unpack my clothes/stuff as soon as I get home
I answer email as quickly as I can.
I apologize if it takes me more than a day to return a call.
I am obsessed about making deadlines.
I’ve never hit the snooze button in my life.
I wouldn’t call myself a type A personality.
I’m a good relaxer. Especially on the beach. Practically a bum there. Or with a book. Or watching sports – particularly when my Philly teams are on and playing well (wish that was more often).
But generally – I just like to get things done. When I have a lot to do, I feel burdened. I want to handle what I need to handle and move on. I want to take care of my responsibilities – it makes me feel lighter, productive, and accomplished.
Yup, this is my natural way.
Yet, sometimes I procrastinate.
I build something up in my head as being too much – too time consuming, confusing, challenging, etc. and I just don’t want to start. The negatives thoughts scream out in my head, I can’t, I don’t know, I’m not able… Just the thought of starting makes me feel tired.
—
I know what I should do.
Think about the times where I didn’t believe in the past, and then things worked out. Remind myself about how good it will feel when I handle the task. I should make myself start and not worry about completing the whole task – less daunting.
By the way, I’m not a good procrastinator. Yes, I can surf the net with the best of them and convince itself its absolutely necessary I know x fact or read y article, etc. But, when I do procrastinate, I just end up feeling guilty for wasting time. “What’s wrong with you?” I ask myself during these moments of procrastination. I go to bed feeling guilty and unproductive.
It’s that doer thing.
So, I don’t really know how to avoid procrastination. But I’m pretty sure there are aspects of it that are dependent upon each individual.
Maybe, procrastination is a natural occurrence when we come upon something that we feel unprepared for. Maybe, it’s a good thing. It teaches us to be cautious as danger can lie ahead.
Ahh – maybe I’m making more excuses for procrastination.
I could really use Five Tips on How to Avoid Procrastinating.
Pic is courtesy of unsplash.
I don’t even understand having Never hit the snooze button!! Wow!
I’ve found that rating the frog really is a good thing, cause the more I let it build it up in my mind, the worse I tend to make it out to be – and it’s never been as bad as I made it out to be in my head!
Rating the frog? Is that a Southern thing? I never heard the term but I certainly get the point.
Yup – no snooze button for me.
I like to fold up my clothes every night instead of throwing them into a pile, so I sort of get what you’re saying. But I do love a good snooze button!
Do you mean before you put them in the hamper? Huh? Wow- we all have our weird points – don’t we.
Snooze button – no good!
I was never much of a procrastinator…and then social media came along. Ugh. I check in to Twitter, and 45 minutes later I’m still there. Must work on that.
Hope you’re doing well, Larry. Just thought I’d stop in and say hi. 🙂
So great to hear from you again, Carrie. Thanks for popping in. How’s the book writing going?
I can’t get into Twitter. I have an account but don’t particular enjoy going there.
I am going to read this, just not yet.
Good one – thanks for the laugh.
One tip FOR procrastinating would be to put off whatever you need to do to write 5 tips for NOT procrastinating. 😉
Hi, Larry. So kind of you to email and check in. I have no idea why you’re not able to comment. The like button is always nice, though. When I see you’ve been there I remember to return the favor since I no longer get notified whenever you post something new. Isn’t technology grand?–when it works! Thank you for your well-wishing for my trip. I’ll take all the happy thoughts and/or prayers I can get!! Public speaking is in my top five fears. Maybe even top two!
It’s not you – it’s me. I know it’s a line but true in this case. Really. I wonder if you not receiving notices is related.Like you say, tech is grand!
I have been reading and liking the posts. I tried multiple times to comment on the one about your mother and the deer. I tried to ask when they are coming to Jersey.
I hope you are going to write about the trip and the speaking -sounds like good blog fodder.