Whenever we talk, the conversation can go on for ages even though we are different in so many ways. However, I am sure that there are more things that bind us than what divides us.
We were talking about our dear old Dad who died in 1979. Robin said that he always remembered a piece of advice that Dad once gave him and this had stuck with him through the decades. It was - "Never procrastinate. Make sure you do the things you have pledged to do."
Even though Robin has been retired since he was fifty two years old, he is a man of action and always has practical tasks to work on around the country property he shares with Suzie. He's also always working on vehicles including motorbikes and agricultural machinery. He's certainly not one to procrastinate.
The reminiscence made me chuckle because I remember one Sunday morning on the campus of The University of Stirling. I was walking between the students halls of residence when a woman's voice yelled out from an open window - "Procrastination is the spice of life!"
I don't know why but I have always remembered that.
Procrastination can I think be pretty healthy in limited doses. It's to do with resting, manana and not feeling guilty because you are not currently working on a task. Sustained hyperactivity is arguably not good for humans. We need downtime, time to process and behave like potatoes. There's nothing wrong with that.
The trouble is when one's procrastination begins to expand to a point where things are just not getting done and whole days are being frittered away. I confess that this is sometimes a danger for me - most likely on grey days when I feel no magnetic pull from the outside.
Have you got some thoughts on procrastination or maybe you just can't be bothered?
I have half a response formed. I'll be back later and make a proper comment.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't be bothered to read this comment.
DeleteNow I can't remember what this was about. Manana.
DeleteWell, I'm a proud procrastinator. I see procrastination as being cautious and not jumping to conclusions. I don't think your last paragraph describes procrastination but is more a mental health condition.
ReplyDeleteI have got plenty of mental health Red.
DeleteMy paternal grandmother's middle initial was "P" and she always told me it stood for procrastination. I put off doing a lot of things, but I'm not really procrastinating. I'm waiting for just the right time to do them.
ReplyDeleteThat's what all procrastinators say Kelly.
DeleteI have always been a procrastinator and as I get older and have to concentrate more on movement and statyingupright, I procrastinate even more.
ReplyDeleteI seem to manage to live somewhat successfully so I try not to let my time management failures depress me
People will often say something like: What did you do today? As if "doing" was the right thing. Sometimes I say, "Nothing. I did nothing."
DeleteDown time is good. Doing random, unimportant things while you leave that which should be done undone is probably not so good.
ReplyDeleteIn the grand scheme of things does it really matter?
DeleteI am a procrastinator, but I'm going to Change that ... starting tomorrow.
ReplyDelete"Tomorrow is another day".
DeleteI'll come back to this post later, okay? Or not. I'm sure you aren't expecting much from a procrastinating donkey like me :)
ReplyDeleteI just can't wait.
DeleteTo be serious this time, procrastination really is an issue for me but I'm aware of it and fight it. And the most important thing in the world, to me anyway, is that I do not procrastinate on this one thing: telling the people I love that they are important to me.
ReplyDeleteIt is a term and a condition well worth mulling over for a few days.
DeleteI am a master procrastinator. If they gave gold medals for it I would have a roomful. In my mum's words "you're just like your father!"
ReplyDeleteYour father must have been a great man.
DeleteI'll let you know, when I get round to it... maybe later...
ReplyDeleteYAWWWN! I can hardly wait.
DeleteNot so long ago I filled almost every waking moment with tasks, projects, hobbies and dog walking. Nowadays I look back and wonder what all the panic was about - "there's always tomorrow" and "I'll do that later" have become my mantra. These days I'm really not that bothered and only the dog walking remains a constant.
ReplyDeleteDo you feel more relaxed now? There's a lot of guilt surrounding inactivity.
DeleteIt's often down to not really knowing how to begin. Allow a few minutes to make a start then set it aside. You then think about it and the next few minutes is easier.
ReplyDeleteAre these instructions for procrastinating?
DeleteI don't procrastinate when it comes to really important things - like paying bills in time, for example. With things that don't really need to be done at a specific time - that's a different matter. (Do "I should probably do that some time..." things even count??)
ReplyDeleteYes they do!
DeleteHave I ever mentioned what I call my deathbed question? When I feel stresses and having too many things going on that demand my attention, I ask myself two questions. 1st: What happens if I don‘t do this particular thing? And 2nd: On my deathbed, will I regrett not having done this?
ReplyDeleteI am sure I will never look back at my life and regret not having done this presentation or handed in that report. But I may regret not having spent more time with loved ones, or not having visited places that interested me.
Having said that, I rarely procrastinate. My clients have no reason to complain about late reports or presentations. But I procrastinate stuff like sorting out my cellar, or doing my taxes.
I am surprised that procrastination even figures in your life Meike.
DeleteI have similar thoughts. I get things done and on time, but sometimes I use some time differently than perhaps those around me desire. I do it to maintain my sanity and to smell the ever present roses along the path.
ReplyDeleteWhat is this life if full of care we have no time to stand and stare?
DeleteOne could write an entire book on procrastination. I'm not being cute here. Back when people survived by hunting or gathering or even what they grew themselves, procrastination could lead to death. "Yeah, the fish are running but I'm just not feeling it today." "The potatoes need digging but my knees are sore today." I would imagine that hunger is a great antidote to procrastination. Getting an assignment in on time or washing the car just doesn't have the same dire consequences.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point.
DeleteI am wound too tightly, emails needing a response need to be handled now, always deliver work on time or early, plan ahead, get it done.
ReplyDeleteJust wait till next year Mr P. It will probably all fall apart. "Hey dude don't bother me I'm watching "The Kelly Clarkson Show!"
DeleteSince I retired, I often feel as if I am "wasting time" but still I don't often do anything about that! So I guess that is procrastination, right, Neil? I try to justify that by thinking I deserve a break after my many years of working and raising a family but I still feel guilty if I haven't done anything productive... Now since I was in the hospital last week, I am "recovering" so I don't count that as "wasting time", altho, it is pretty much the same...
ReplyDeleteYou have had a warning call Ellen. How are you going to respond?
DeleteI used to have 'Procrastination is the thief of time' on an office wall. I've always thought procrastination was putting of until a future time something one didn't want to do and generally doing something more pleasurable instead. Very different to the Italians' Dolce far niente or the sweet art of doing nothing.
ReplyDeleteProcrastinators often mull these sort of things over.
DeleteI'll let you know next week.
ReplyDeleteI only procrastinate on things that can really, truly wait without any harm done. At work, I try to get all daily tasks that come up done as soon as possible. I don't like loose ends at work! Now, housework is a different story. Unless we have guests coming over, I'll put off deep cleaning and organizing projects until I just can't stand it anymore! :)
ReplyDeleteI'll think about it later!
ReplyDelete(I'm sure I'm at least the 20th person to make that joke, having not read any of the comments above.)
I used to procrastinate a lot when I was a kid, like with homework, but I think I'm pretty good about getting things done as an adult. I agree with you, though -- it has to be balanced by downtime.