I am typically not one to procrastinate. 
If I need to do something, I schedule it into my daily or weekly to-do list and take care of it. Done.
So it’s been very curious to me that I’ve been finding all kinds of things to do instead of working on new Mac training videos.
My desk is cleared. My monthly receipts are filed. I have the entire morning blocked out for doing the first video and, instead, I am writing this blog post.
I looked up the definition of Procrastination:
Procrastination refers to the counterproductive deferment of actions or tasks to a later time. Psychologists often cite such behavior as a mechanism for coping with the anxiety associated with starting or completing any task or decision.
There are three criteria for a behavior to be classified as procrastination: it must be counterproductive, needless, and delaying.
When I think of my behavior in terms of these criteria, I’m NOT procrastinating. I am avoiding.
And I know it’s because doing these videos is a HUGE project. It involves changes to my website and my mailing list program. It means learning how to record and save and upload the videos. It means standing in front of the camera and being authentic and friendly and knowledgeable.
And I’ve never done these things before.
But I know my material. I know that the series will be very successful. And yet, I’m having trouble beginning.
Doing all of those other productive things has helped me step back from the project. And from this perspective I can see how the hugeness of it is simply overwhelming me.
No wonder I’ve been avoiding it.
So I took out a piece of paper and started to dissect the project into smaller, more do-able steps. And, following one of SARK’s fabulous suggestions, I used language that will make the tasks more inviting.
So, instead of: Learn the video recording software, I’m going to PLAY with the video software.
Instead of: Change the website and get a new mailing list program, I’m going to EXPLORE new ways to connect with my clients.
And, instead of expecting to get it all done in this one morning, I’m just going to begin.
So what are you putting off because it seems too daunting?
How can you break the BIG THING into smaller, more manageable tasks?
How can you turn your To-Do’s into fun and exciting activities that you might actually WANT to accomplish?
How can you begin?
Let me see, how to begin…..In the past five years or so I have developed a couple of new philosophies (Mind you, it has taken awhile to use them on a regular basis)
1. the universe is in perfect order- I just can’t see the whole picture
2. My “brother/sister” will be there to help me.
3. Wait for the inspiration
4. Don’t try to “control” or “force” things look for the flow.
5. I am here only to be helpful.
By following these “ideas” what is little by little coming to me is a sense of inner peace and knowingness that when the time is right, the things I am “supposed” to do or “want” to do will come together, almost effortlessly. It thus takes my worry from a meditation of “why don’t I, why can’t I get this done” to a peaceful knowingness of “all is happening together in it’s own time and will come together when IT is supposed to not WHEN I think it should.”
When Shakespeare said that “all the world is a stage” maybe he meant that we are the actors playing our roles and allowing the “universal forces backstage to work together to bringing the next scene. We don’t do all the work, the “other stagehands in our life (some known and unknown) bring their talents to provide all that we need to continue on.
In the past I believed that I somehow was making my life too hard trying to control/do all things. Now I just wait for inspiration to come and follow its lead. For me, it is working beautifully.
Just a thought.
Barbara, These are great philosophies and I love your analogy to Shakespeare and the other stagehands…. I’m so glad it’s all working so beautifully for you. May you continue to be inspired and led to great and beautiful things.
Ruth,
I have enjoyed reading your blog and I’m a subscriber. The last entry really struck a chord with me! I am a daily pot smoker and I like the feeling it gives me. But I do want to quit. However, I have nothing to replace it with–no family, no friends and few acquaintances. I am so used to being alone that it is difficult to “connect” even though I think it might be nice. But I have no one to connect to. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks for your thoughtful blog!!
Jodi, Thanks for you honest sharing. What I encourage my clients to do is explore what brings them joy. What else, besides pot, makes you feel good? Start with little things. I started by connecting with the cashier at the grocery store, the kids in my neighborhood, my mail carrier. And I liked how it felt.
I know that feeling that pot offers. From the other side, let me tell you that NOT being stoned and connecting with the present moment, being in body during my yoga practice, getting out in nature, and just noticing the small beauties all around me in my life–feels EVEN better. REALLY.