How many times do you have to be told something before it actually sticks in your brain and makes sense? For me, it's probably an infinite amount of times because I daily do things that I know I shouldn't do.
Something that I've been having trouble with lately is procrastination. While I'm far from being the most organized person on the planet, I would say that I have a knack for keeping my schedule orderly and finishing tasks on time. That being said, I haven't had much of a problem with procrastination since.....well probably high school. I learned quickly that the feeling of freedom and accomplishment when you are finally DONE with something is much better than feeling rushed to complete a task you've put off.
How many times have you heard a teacher, a parent, a colleague say: Don't procrastinate!?!? I'm sure I've heard it about a zillion times in my life. But does that mean I always finish tasks on time because I know it's the right thing to do? Definitely not. The past three weeks have been so rushed and busy for me that I've put a few things on the back burner, and it's making me crazy.
1. My sewing projects.
I have two sewing projects with blog posts started that I haven't had time to finish. Normally, I would have finished these on the SAME DAY because sewing is something I enjoy. Being to busy for the things I love to do is NOT OK with me!
2. SEMO Bloggers Conference.
Since my friend Emily and I sat down to talk about possible dates for a conference and meeting topics I honestly haven't thought about it since.....maybe that same day? Emily, when you read this, I hope you're not too terribly angry! I still have every intention of making this event work, but I just need to get started.
3. John's reading/speech work.
This one just kills me. I had been trying to work with John every night on his speech and with reading, but since I've had play practice at night I just haven't been able to. We picked up one of his favorite books last night and I pointed at some objects that he usually recognizes, but he couldn't remember what they were :( Tonight and tomorrow night we'll be cracking the books for sure!!!
4. My blog.
I want to let you in on a little secret.....I usually work on my blog at least 2 days in advance. That way if something unexpectedly comes up, I can just hop online and post because I know that I have at least one extra post ready to go. Right now, as I'm typing this Sanity Saving Monday post, it's Monday at 11:30am. Normally I post before 9:00am. So as you can see, I'm about two days behind on my posting schedule.
Those are just four examples of things I need to "get back to work" on, but I definitely feel the weight of these unfinished tasks. My Sanity Saving Monday Tip: Don't belong to the Procrastination Nation. Keep your schedule, take a little time for yourself, and don't put things off until the last minute. One more thing.....don't beat yourself up if you do procrastinate. Take 20 minutes to sit down and right out a list of your unfinished tasks, like I did here. Then plan specific times during the week ahead when you'll finish them.
1. My Sewing Projects will be completed on Thursday afternoon at 2:00pm.
2. I will make contact calls for the SEMO Bloggers Conference by Friday and text Emily about meeting for another planning session.
3. I will study with John tonight and Tuesday night, and ask Daniel if he could work with John Wednesday and Thursday.
4. I will get back on my blogging schedule Tuesday late afternoon when I'm off work.
See, I already feel better knowing that I'll finish these tasks before the weekend.
Have a great Monday Friends :)
Haha, It's ok Les. I JUST now got into motion the SEMO Blogging Facebook page. We need to get together and have another pow wow. Call me soon.
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you Leslie. And honestly, I have just as hard of a time not beating myself up for procrastinating as I do the actual procrastination. I hate that!
ReplyDeleteTo add on to what you said, my campus pastor tells our leadership team often that when you set a goal, your immediate next step should be to decide how you're going to do it and when. Otherwise it will just be an idea floating out there for who knows how long.
Something that has actually helped me a lot in the past few months is an idea I got from another of your posts about the short-term and long-term goals lists. Thank you for sharing that!
Another thing I have started doing when I am planning my day or week is to make the most of my time by doubling up on things. For example, being intentional about reading my bible DURING my free time while babysitting, or painting my nails WHILE hanging out with a friend or during my accountability group. Does that make sense? It frees up the additional time that I would have spent on those things ON TOP OF babysitting/accountability group.
Hope that's helpful/encouraging!
Hey Ashley! I'm so glad someone else can relate to my procrastination problem! I LOVE the idea of doubling up on things. Being a mom, multi-tasking is the only way to survive. Just don't start painting your nails while driving haha! I hate to admit that I'm guilty of that one! The A/C in my car is perfect for quick drying :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know you've started doing the long term and short term lists! I'm glad I could help you in that way :) You're such a sweet person - we need to get together more often.