Let’s talk about procrastination… later
I have been having this problem lately…
I put off until tomorrow EVERY thing that overwhelms me.
Let’s talk taxes for example. Usually I am the kind of person who does their taxes right away. February comes and I have got my government check in hand. I rock! But this year, with my move, my rental income, my home purchase, my business, Charming’s business and so on… I have just shut down. Too much!!! So they have been sitting up in our office haunting me every day. "I’ll just do it tomorrow…" I tell myself. It will be fine.
But it looms over me.
My library books are another issue. I have a kit full of books and activities and videos that I got from the library. I can’t find the cd that goes inside the box, and so I haven’t taken it back yet. I know it is overdue. I keep getting emails from the library that I can’t bear to open. I am constantly imagineing all the fines racking up and taking over my financial future. And yet, I don’t take that stupid kit back. It just sits in my living room.
Tormenting me.
I think my life would be a lot less chaotic if I could get a handle on this "situation." Any suggestions? Really. I need some help over here.



Dear Mom - (just kidding)
The one thing I teach all of the people I work with when it comes to solving this procrastination issue is this: Do the ONE thing on your to-do list that you really do not want to do FIRST every day. Once the crap is out of the way - you are ready for a great day. Make this a habit. Be sure to look at the list - and go out of your way to get rid of the annoying project, the headache-inducing aim - you get the point. Habits are fairly easy to form - so after doing this for a few weeks - consistently - it will be exactly how you start you day. Then great days - become great weeks - and a great life.
I recently did a few posts on procrastination and how we need to conquer the Procrasti-NATION. Take a look - it may help you and your readers
These two posts are a great place to start.
http://yattitude.wordpress.com/2008/03/10/ya-ttitude-procrasti-nation/
http://yattitude.wordpress.com/2008/03/20/ya-ttitude-battle-lines-are-drawn/
Benny
Comment by Benny Greenberg — March 27, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
You must be my long lost sister! I did finally finish my taxes (including our local taxes which I neglected to do for 2 years because they’re stupid and they’re always a wash anyway)! I have yet to file FAFSA (begging for grant money for my last college age child) and haven’t started that at all and the deadline is looming!!!! My library books are ALWAYS overdue but I console myself by pretending that I’m supporting at least one librarian. I promised myself this year that I would stop this nonsense but it hasn’t happened yet! I wish I had an answer, so if you come up with one let me know! Whenever you get around to it that is!
Comment by laura — March 27, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
ahh yes.. the looming tasks that constantly get moved to another day. I say hire an accountant to do the taxes.
I’m a list maker, and have to set aside a specific time to do something, and just do it.
Good luck!
Comment by Andrea — March 27, 2008 @ 10:53 pm
I actually have an accountant…
It’s just compiling everything that’s the pain.
Comment by Steph — March 27, 2008 @ 10:59 pm