My ability to procrastinate amazes me. I can find more things to do to keep from doing what I need to do than anyone I know. Idleness is not my problem. I stay plenty busy, but I stay busy doing things I don’t need to do. Like the definition, I am the classic example of “putting off intentionally and habitually doing what should be done.” Sometimes I abhor myself for this trait – but not enough to change.
Yes, I know all the pithy sayings designed to motivate me to get started. I repeat them to myself as I sit at my computer starting a new writing project with these results:
The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. WOW! Just thinking about a thousand mile journey makes me tired. You know, I didn’t get much sleep last night. Maybe I should take a nap and get started after I feel refreshed.
To start is half the battle. Oh, that reminds me that I wanted to record that documentary they are showing tonight on PBS about the battle of Gettysburg. I better go set the DVR right now before I forget.
Steady, slow and consistent can accomplish more than brilliant spasms of work. Brilliant! Yes, I want this thing I’m writing to be brilliant, but my mind doesn’t seem real sharp right now. I bet if I played a game of computer Solitaire it would sharpen my senses. Keeping the mind active helps ward off Alzheimer’s, you know.
How do you eat an elephant – one bite at a time. That reminds me I skipped lunch. Maybe I should make myself a sandwich. Better yet I’ll just pop out and get a burger. Where is that coupon I had for a dollar off the combo? After I eat I’ll feel like working.
Life is like a coin you can spend anyway you want, but you can only spend it once. Maybe I should put all those coins I’ve been saving in that Mason jar in those little nickel, dime, and quarter wrappers, take them to the bank and see how much I have. I could use the money to buy my burger.
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Where is that “to-do” list I was making for tomorrow? I just thought of a few more things I need to put on it. Better put them on the list now before I forget. I just love checking off things on my “to-do” list when I get them done. But what did I do with that list???
No farmer ever plowed a field by turning it over in his head. You know, my Uncle John is a farmer. He’s pretty old and I haven’t talked to him in a while. I think I’ll give him a call. I always feel so inspired after we chat.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Where is that Rob Bell book I was reading about hell, anyway? Maybe I should read a little of it. Hey, if there is anything that will motivate me it’s thinking about going to hell. Motivate me???? What is it I’m trying to do? Sorry, I lost my concentration. What was I talking about? Oh yes! Procrastination!
Now here’s one that works well for me – just do it! We can never redeem all the wasted time (Ephesians 5:15) so just do it! Do it now! That’s how I got this blog written! I just did it!
I found this little poem on the Internet while procrastinating that ties in well with this blog topic.
Procrastination is my sin.
It brings me naught but sorrow.
I know that I should stop it.
In fact, I will…tomorrow.
~Gloria Pitzer
Hey, maybe I’ll go look more stuff up on the Internet. I have another writing project and it’s a great way to delay getting started. After all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. WOW! Just thinking about a thousand mile journey makes me tired. Maybe I’ll take a nap.
Hmm…I guess old habits are hard to break!
