In my morning email box was a daily note from one of my favorite blogs, Advice to Writers. The topic of the day: Procrastination (with some of the quotes listed above). GULP. Why the gulp? Well, because it struck a chord. Because…I’m a (closet) procrastinator. There. I said it.
However, the Silver Lining of my procrastination habit is that I always get things done in the end (please please please don’t ask how many times I have stopped and started this post). I guess it’s better to procrastinate, rather then not doing it something at all. Right? Sort of?
Don Marquis once said, “Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.” I couldn’t agree more and find that there are many (too many!) days that I feel this way. Some people enjoy procrastination because they find that the extra time not spent working creates time for fun and spontaneity. Now I’m all for fun. And spontaneity. However, when I procrastinate I feel rotten. Whatever task I’m procrastinating is weighing on my shoulders…heavily. Ironically, procrastination for me is a bit cyclic. When I get on the procrastination bandwagon, not only do I feel yucky, but I have a really really hard time getting off. Get the picture? It ain’t pretty.
Now, I know I’m not alone. In fact, studies show that approximately 25% of Americans are procrastinators. Additionally, there are many iconic figures who have been inveterate procrastinators, from St. Augustine to Leonardo da Vinci to Duke Ellington to Agatha Christie to John Huston to Bill Clinton. Rationalization? Maybe a wee bit.
What I know for sure is that procrastination is not good for me. So, when I get on the procrastination bandwagon, here’s how I heave myself off:
- Turn off my email because it is my ultimate, indefatigable distractor. Emailing is a bit manipulative however because I rationalize doing email by saying to myself, “but I’m getting something done!”
- Simplify the task. Post FBC, I feel easily overwhelmed by even the littlest of things. My coping mechanism is (you guessed it) procrastination. So, rather than allowing myself to think about everything that I need to do, I think about a few small things on my list and then take great pleasure in crossing off completed tasks.
- Stop thinking and start doing. Whilst on the procrastination bandwagon I’ll often think, rethink and ultimately over think what I need to do. I’m really good at making mountains (think Mt. Everest) out of molehills! So, ceasing and desisting with the thinking is incredibly helpful.
- Work in 15 (sometimes intense) minute intervals is very helpful because I feel as though I can do anything for 15 minutes!
- Snap the f-bomb out of it and get started! Going from doing nothing to doing something is easier said than done, especially when there is superglue on the bandwagon. However, once I heave myself off of the wagon, I tend to Git ‘R Done which ends up being my Silver Lining.
If all else fails, I get up from my desk and walk outside. Sitting in the sun for 5 minutes with my eyes closed is incredibly restorative and motivating.
If even that fails, then I think about how grateful I feel for having the opportunity to procrastinate. When I was sick, I dreamed about procrastination because it meant that I had lots to do and that there was lots that I could do!
Gosh, this hits the nail on the head! Thanks for sharing your pensive words of wisdom.
Thank you so much, Donna! I really appreciate it.
The Olin Miller quote is perfect! My favorite types of procrastination are movies and reading. I can especially tell that I am procrastinating badly if I start re-reading the Harry Potter series. And I definitely feel that I have to clean my apartment before starting any other project. I think it's because I feel that I have control over my physical surroundings. I suppose it's nice to know that we're in the same boat with Leonardo DaVinci. I'm sure I have many other things in common with him as well.
Thanks, Victoria! Glad you like it. Thanks for sharing your favorite ways of procrastination! And yes, it's definitely a Silver Lining to be in the same boat as Da Vinci!
AHHH! … now that I am done laughing, and personalizing all those "aspects" of procrastination, sending you sweet nods of appreciation~
I have at least hug my wreath! 🙂 Shari
Indeed, Shari! 🙂
I like Don Marquis' quote, "procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday".
So on the other hand I say, "preparedness is the art of planning for tomorrow".
But then again we all have days we fall short so we need to be aware that this is natural, and like yesterday's 'N' for nature, we need to be patient with ourselves, and pace our work. Try doing projects in part-acts, or portions of time, as Hollye suggests.
I love that quote: "Preparedness is the art of planning for tomorrow". Lovely!
Thanks for your comment, as always!
“Writing is 90 percent procrastination.” Very funny, and unfortunately for me, rather true. I totally need to snap the f bomb out of it! ~Catherine
Isn't it though? Hee! Hee! 🙂
What a beautiful website you have here!… I'm so glad I came upon it…. Thank You Pinterest!
This Post describes me to a "T"… as I am still procrastinating at 10pm on a Tues. evening… No wonder I'm so tired all the time!!…. Enjoyed your work!… Good advice!
Welcome, Kellie! So glad you joined us….& thank you indeed, Pinterest! Thanks very much for your comment. Please stay in touch.
Goodness, are you psychic? This is so on point for me. Have been putting off organizing my utility room, a/k/a The Black Hole because nothing escapes from it … ever, sometimes I think it's a wormhole to another dimension … ha, ha. So now my godmother (Miss Organize and Declutter, the woman has her shoes catalogued, just sayin') is coming to visit in two weeks and I HAVE got to get the utility room shipshape this weekend, plus continue to decorate for the holidays, plus write, plus do Christmas cards, plus bake … still I do love this time of year! Getting psyched up to divide into 15 minute intervals and conquer! Thanks for the inspiration and great post!
Ahhhhh, great E.B.! Your Godmother sounds like she is a great source of inspiration. Hope the 15 minute intervals help. 🙂
This post reads exactly like I wrote it . . . but I kept putting it off 🙂
So glad you connected with it, Lynne. Ha! Ha!. Thanks for the giggle.
This is so incredibly accurate! And even more helpful. I have been in a state of super-procrastination because of this unexplained fear of writing that has only plagued me recently. I will sit down, get overwhelmed, get back up, and do something else – continuing this cycle again and again until it was too tired and couldn't attempt to write anymore. The opening group of quotes and your experiences definitely struck a cord, and I am very excited to try your tips tonight as I try to finish up my papers.
So, thank you 🙂
Hi There, Zacc. Did the tips help? Sometimes I find that starting with one sentence. Only one sentence really helps me. Hope it does the same for me! Please let me know. 🙂