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It’s About Time Ruth Wong |
Don’t clutter tomorrow
with today’s leftoversMy husband is one of those Type A personalities who are very goal-oriented, focused and driven. He amazes me in all he's able to accomplish in the course of a week.
One day I asked him, "How do you get so much done?"
He replied, "Each day, I make a list of the most important things I have to do. Then I begin doing them."
I do that, too. Every morning I make a prioritized "To Do" list. I even schedule the important tasks into blocks of time in my time planner. Then I begin doing them, but sometimes when I get to a task I don't feel like doing, I skip over it.
The difference between the two of us is, he says, "For me that's not an option."
Not an option? That just blew my mind! For it NOT to be an option to skip over (procrastinate on) certain important tasks never entered my mind!
What a concept -- to do those things whether we feel like it or not!
I realized that sometimes we allow our emotions to dictate our action or lack of action. I think this is especially true for those of us who are right-brainers, who tend to be more emotional than factual.
I REALIZED THAT procrastination was an option I was giving myself, an option that had unpleasant consequences, causing my tomorrows to be cluttered with leftover tasks from today.
I've found that when I force myself to plow through important but unpleasant, difficult tasks even though I don't feel like it, often once I start, the feeling follows. Then comes the satisfaction of checking it off and the relief of getting it done and out of the way.
Sometimes it helps to have a new mind-set. For those who are prone to procrastination, may I suggest "It's not an option" as your new mantra?
Your assignment this month: Each day beginning today, as you go through your Priority Task List, do those important tasks one by one, whether you feel like it or not.
Of course, if something comes up that is more important than what is listed, the new task takes priority and should be done. But if not, go through your list and execute as planned. It will be a new feeling at first, but a good feeling!
It's about time to stop allowing procrastination to be an option. And it's about time we enjoy the satisfaction and relief of getting things, however unpleasant, done. It will be time well spent.
See you next month!
"It's About Time," by Ruth Wong, owner of Organization Plus, runs the fourth Friday of each month. Contact her at "It's About Time," care of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813; or e-mail features@starbulletin.com
