Procrastination and the Art of Getting Around to It

I've been putting it off for days. I think about it. I know it would be beneficial to do it, but, I never quite get around to it. So, what exactly is it. I have perfected procrastination to an art. If procrastination was it, then, I would be a great success. I have found that 'it' is actually the box in which I keep all my undone tasks. My mental storage unit, if you will. These tasks are a mental list of great possibilities and wonderful dreams, which have yet to be manifested into reality. I have had an overflowing 'it' box before. I vaguely remember the feeling of having an empty 'it' box, or at least not so fully packed. My tasks are screaming to get out; to find a sense of accomplishment in the world. How did I get back to this place, once again? And how do I get out, and how do I stay out?

I am going to retrace my steps. A month ago, I didn't have nearly as many tasks peering out at me from the 'it' box. In fact I had a handle on things and was quite satisfied with my results. Let's see what was I doing then, that I am not doing now.

1. I created a goal sheet each morning when I began working. I actually wrote out what needed to be done, and how I was going to go about accomplishing that feat. I put a star next to the most important tasks. Not every task was completed, but, it just carried over to the next day.

2. I was realistic. I knew that I couldn't make a thousand dollars in a day. But, a significant smaller amount was obtainable. Seeing the small amounts took away the overwhelming feeling of trying to accomplish too much. If I made my goal, then, great. However, when I surpassed my goal, that was even better. And I didn't beat myself up if I didn't achieve my goal. There is always tomorrow.

3. I reminded myself of my long term goals. By accomplishing the smaller tasks, ultimately, I could get the new car, apartment, or take a trip.

4. I rewarded myself for completing a series of tasks. Cause completing tasks will mostly certainly yield a profit, by which I could reward myself. And I refused to feel guilty about taking some 'me' time.

5. I turned away from anything that may have posed a distraction from the tasks at hand. Although, it can be fun to chat or play a few games on the net, these took up too much valuable time. Thirty minutes away from work, was thirty minutes in which a task could have been completed.

When I was following those simple rules, my 'it' box was clutter-free and I wasn't afraid to approach it. I guess it's time to get at it. Take inventory and prioritize. There is most assuredly things in the box which don't belong. So, first I must toss them out. And, before I add anything else to the box, cause we all know there is always something that needs to be done, I must first complete some of those eagerly awaiting tasks. Some are more urgent than others, so I must identify the most important ones. Starting with the biggest tasks and working myself down to the least important. I should see the bottom of the box pretty soon.

But, how do I keep the box from getting all cluttered and in such disarray again? I propose to start at step one and follow the list. Then, repeat. Like a well written song, I have developed a great chorus in which to live by. I just have to remember to keep the rhythm and everything will flow.