Procrastination
seems to be a companion for most of us. Given enough leeway, we will
put most anything off that we can. This is especially true for the
activities we deem difficult. It seems that human nature is to put
things off until the last moment and then rush to get them done. In
fact, there are many people who take tremendous pride in being able
to get things done just in the nick of time.
Life
has a way of delivering deadlines. April 15th
is one that comes to mind. The bills that we have due each month all
have a payment due date. Projects at work must be completed by the
next meeting. And, of course, there is a time at which we must meet
the in-laws. Unfortunately, a missed deadline has a variety of
negative consequences. The pressure associated with this adds to the
chaotic state that we tend to operate in under this scenario. This
is when many of us experience overwhelm.
Nevertheless,
deadlines seem to be some of the best motivators. Regardless of the
pressure of the situation, people have a tendency to step up when
given a deadline. Basically, they get it done. Sometimes it is a
"fly of the cuff' at the last possible minute or it can be a
larger project broken down into time segments to meet it. Either
way, they motivate us to get busy taking action.
How
can we use this to our advantage without adding to the stress in our
lives? The answer is to impose our own deadlines. When we set the
timeframe, we thus dictate the pace at which we operate. This gives
us control over the situation while relieving the pressure that
others (people or institutions) put on us.
Procrastination
tends to happen until a deadline is set. If there is no deadline, we
will put something off forever. Is there anything around the house
that you were meaning to fix for the past few years (or decades)? In
these situations, implement a self-imposed deadline to finish the
activity. Commit to having it done by that date. Act as if your
life depended on getting it done. Suddenly, you will find the time
to do it.
If
a deadline already exists, the way to control the situation is to
create your own deadline ahead of the other one. This allows for
some leeway in case of something unforeseen. The pressure is
lessened since it is you applying it rather than someone or something
outside of yourself. Naturally, be aware of the desire to
procrastinate because you realize that your deadline is not the
"real" one. Again, approach the activity as if your life
depended upon getting it done by that date you set. You will quickly
see yourself getting more done with less stress.
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