Tuesday, January 25, 2011

maybe tomorrow

As the saying goes, why put off until tomorrow what you can do today. I don't think I'm going out on a limb when I bet that I'm not the only one who can come up with several answers to that question that don't involve getting things done today. Procrastination is certainly an art form for some and while I'm not the best at it, I'd have to say that I'm pretty darn good at it. I’ve had my fair share of late nights and rushed conclusions to know that procrastinating is an evil curse I’ve cast upon myself.
Putting things off has become something I do more often than I care to admit. I'd like to be the one who gets an assignment or comes up with an idea and follows through without hesitation. However, there are too many examples of the opposite that easily demonstrate that I am not quite that type of person. Remember The Sketchbook Project? Well, when I excitedly received my sketchbook back in July, I dreamed of spending time each week to not only work on completing it but I was looking forward to immersing myself in something I love to do, a project that would force me to take time for my art. So when last week’s deadline quickly approached, and I had but a quarter of the pages filled, I couldn't help but be impressed with how I had managed to procrastinated for six months while at the same time wondered how I hadn't learned from the past pressure of leaving things until the last minute. And maybe that's the problem, that the pressure is actually what drives me and pushes me to get something done. If I can't see the finish line, I think I am less likely to work towards it. But dangle that carrot in front of me and suddenly you can't stop me from working like a race horse to get it. Luckily, the consequences haven't been too bad so far but that's no reason to keep putting things off. It’s a reason to change before putting things off puts me in a situation I will regret. So starting today, I am saying goodbye to procrastinating…and we all know that when I say today, I really mean tomorrow…which probably means sometime soon…which probably means I’ll just add it to my to-do list and hope for the best!

Are you a procrastinator? Any tips to avoid procrastinating?

PS Thank you all for your inspiring words and ideas! Your support and a little break have me feeling like this funk won't last for much longer.

13 comments:

jeanette from everton terrace said...

The last few lines cracked me up. I am WAY better than I used to be. I read the book "The power of now" and as silly as it may sound, it changed me. It helped with all the little things but the big ones I'm still working on.

PoetessWug said...

Ha! Ha! I'm afraid that my hubby is the procrastinator in my house. I'd much rather do it...whatever "IT" is...and get it out of the way so I can do what I really want to do...whatever that is at the time! :-) .....Okay, so I don't procrastinate because it keeps me from having a good nap!! LOL

Unknown said...

I am such a procrastinator - I don't know why but I am. A bad one. I have no adivce either, I just thought you'd like to know that you're not alone!

Caroline said...

Just found your blog and I love it!!! Can't wait to read more of your posts!

Melanie's Randomness said...

I'm a procrasinator to no end. It's a really bad habit I have. I wish I could stop it. I'll be coming back to your post to read people's tips cuz I'm bad at it!!

clare @ the pretty walrus said...

I only wish I had tips for overcoming procrastination! (other than start with the smallest things and build your way up, but that doesn't always apply)

Such a pity too - the little peek at your moleskin looks SO great!

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

I am a HUGE procrastinator. I have no advice, lol.

Diana Mieczan said...

I am also a procrastinator. One thing that helps me lately is making little lists and notes to myself of stuff I should do that day...Hugs and kisses, my dear

Ps: I am hosting a beautiful Garnish party supplies GIVEAWAY today :) ...Just in time for Valentine’s Day!

christine, just bella said...

Totally a procrastinator... but I like to think I work better under pressure ;)

k said...

I am a horrible horrible procrastinator!!! I am so bad lately too..I need help :)

kimbirdy said...

i am totally a procrastinator! i used to try so hard to change this, but now that i'm an adult, i know that it's the key to getting the best work out of me. i always do best when working under pressure. so my advice is to embrace it and learn how to use your powers for good. :)

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

A list! Everytime I make a list, I get it done!

Valley Art Project said...

Lists also helps me put in order the things which need to come first. With regards to my art, I tell myself to just sit down and work for 30 minutes. Most the time 30 minutes will turn into some quality creative work time.