03/29/2019
I was asked to write a blog for work. Don't wait to read it below...
The Art of Procrastination
First, a confession: I’m Chip Carter, and I’m a chronic procrastinator. There, I said it…
Procrastination, which simply means to ‘put off doing something’, is rampant. According to Psychology Today, twenty percent of us are chronic procrastinators. To make it sound better in my head, I reframe it as I’m a master…of delay.
I don’t procrastinate at work. I’m very motivated there, as my job is to help other’s wade through their own issues. I read articles, research ideas, and communicate with colleagues on a regular basis. It’s my job, and as so, I feel a large sense of responsibility to do the best I can. This isn’t my struggle.
But talk to my sweet, patient wife. There, you would find out how much I struggle with getting things done on a regular basis. She would tell you that when I’m focused, I’m FOCUSED. In those times, I can move through tasks and chores (even the ones I’m not crazy about) at a breakneck pace.
More often than not though, my tendency is to push things further down the priority list until I’m sitting with a week’s worth of chores to do, errands to run, and personal goals to accomplish…and about twenty-five minutes to get them done. This is not a great recipe for success.
Why do I procrastinate? I’ve come up with the following reasons and am sharing them in hopes that if this is your struggle, you can know you’re not alone and there are some ways out of this.
Reason #1 – Self-doubt. Who doesn’t question their skill set and abilities to solve problems both complex and even simple sometimes? Hand raised here.
Reason #2 – Fatigue. Life is busy, and if your life is like mine, too busy. I am quite adept at ignoring yard work because I’ve overscheduled myself. My HOA, however, doesn’t really appreciate this.
Reason #3 – Resentment. I have to be honest. Sometimes, I just resent having so much to do. So, I justify my ‘lounging’ (for hours) by saying ‘this is too much’.
Reason #4 – Decisions, decisions, decisions. When it comes down to it, I worry about some of the decisions that I have to make. Should we spend this much money? Is this worth my time? How will others feel? So, my lack of commitment leads to no commitment. But, the thoughts and worry don’t go away…
The time has come for me to stop this unhealthy habit. I promised some ways to fight this problem head on. Here’s how I’m planning on tackling my giant I call procrastination. Who’s with me?
Intervention #1 – Music. I’m here to tell you good folks something – music makes everything better. Whether it’s tackling a list of household chores, running errands, or writing this blog 😊…music makes everything more enjoyable! It keeps the self-doubting thoughts to a minimum as your singing or humming along. It makes cleaning the bathroom more tolerable as well. And if anything can work with that undesirable task, I’m all in. Trust me, music works.
Intervention #2 – The next move. Years ago, I heard Andy Stanley give a sermon series on wisdom, and his main point was constantly asking yourself ‘What is the next wise thing for me to do?’ So, taking that approach, we can ask ourselves when we are faced with something that might be a little daunting, but, absolutely necessary “What is the next step?” Do that, and then ask yourself – “What is the next step after that?” And so on, and so on, and so on. Sooner than you know it, you can find yourself with half of that challenging task done and behind you.
Intervention #3 – Reframe those thoughts. Here’s the truth – my self-doubt and self-worth aren’t the same thing. I may very well doubt my ability to cook the perfect date night meal for my wife, but my self-worth should never be tied to this. I’m not a professional chef, and I have no formal training in how to cook. I just mastered scrambled eggs a few years ago. It’s important for us to remember as Christians the following – ‘Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord God is with you wherever you go.’ (Joshua 1:19). And that includes any task or decision you and I may be facing.
Intervention #4 – Laugh. Give yourself this gift. Laugh when you make mistakes, laugh when you try but fail, and let out the biggest belly laugh when that thing that you were scared of and never dreamed of doing becomes your biggest victory! I believe God gave us our sense of humor, among other things, to help develop our perspective. Make laughter your friend and nearby companion.
There you have it. My confession, the reasons why I procrastinate, and my plan of attack to nip this pesky habit to its knees. I don’t plan on waiting to make these changes more active in my life. I hope you won’t as well.
