PROCRASTINATION

Procrastination whispers invitingly in my ear: “Later, tomorrow, there’s no rush, you can wait, not now.”  While I may feel temporary relief when I listen to this seductive voice, I usually set myself up for increased stress, problems sleeping, stomach aches and panic.  I miss out on opportunities, disappointed others and myself by unfinished or forgotten promises,  prepare insufficiently for success, and then blame and shame myself for my laziness.  And even so, the voice of procrastination still has appeal and tempts me.  Putting off movement is greatly influenced by my inability to recognize the payoff/costs ratio.  If the payoff isn’t greater than the costs I don’t move.  Sometimes my lack of motivation is due to fear of taking risks and failing, other times it’s because I think I don’t have enough information to make a decision and I’m scared of possible outcomes and not being able to control results.  I let ‘what ifs’ stop me in my tracks and deceive myself by believing I’ll feel more motivated or ready to act tomorrow.

Today, I choose to take time to focus my energy, prioritize my goals, remember the benefits of taking action over inaction, balance my activity so I’m not worn out by trying to do too much, and breathe.  I will step forward responsibly and accomplish what lies before me.   I will take time to rest and restore myself, recognizing what has been achieved and giving myself a pat on the back.  I can do one thing at a time and set small, manageable goals.  There is no time like NOW.