Procrastination

Procrastination is described as a behavior, which is characterized by the deferment of actions or tasks to a later time.

I don’t procrastinate, not often, hardly at all, okay maybe….never! No, honest! I remember one time recently that I did NOT want to pay bills, I literally would have cleaned my kitchen floor with a toothbrush before paying the bills. It’s the first time I ever experienced procrastination.

I did not like the way it felt!

I don’t even procrastinate in my thoughts or deeds, I’m generally too fast on both and have been learning to sllloowww down the process just a bit. I get attached to fast, hurt too easy and just speak it how it is! But, then again, you know where I’m coming from, don’t you!

I’m the first one to jump in to offer help or start a campaign. First one to offer assistance and the first one to come to the aid of anyone in need. It’s who I am. It’s what I do. and…

I do it well!

I was asked once, how do you do it?

I really thought everyone was pretty much organized and procrastination was a minor affliction some people had. Until I started to really listen to people.

I think my anti procrastinationalism (yes I made up a new phrase) is really just a form of organization. See, I’m also SUPER organized. I call it anal organized but not as much as my friend Bethany who color codes her socks in her drawers in little cubicles for each pair (that is just insane Bethany!!!)

I have an order in which everything is done and a file for everything that I have. I have lists to complete and there is nothing more rewarding then scratching off an item on the list!

If you’re organized you really can’t procrastinate much, really!

There are immediate things I have to do right away: a phone call, an email, dinner, family time etc.

Then there are things that are planned: Editing, shopping, making dinner, laundry…etc.

Then there are goals: that is my amazing long term lists. I’ve got them for business and person. I’ve even got a list of blogging ideas!
My life is so busy that if I let one thing slip under the radar it’s a goner. I most likely would not get back to it and it would be a passed opportunity or a missed adventure.

You never know what a day will hold, so I make sure I am ready to handle whatever comes my way! I look expectantly to every day and I know each day holds so many opportunities, so I make sure I don’t miss any of them!

So, with open arms I great each new day with a mental and physical list. I answer all emails, tweets and Facebook. I reply to all the blogs that need my attention. I read all my newspapers and answer all my phone calls (my family will disagree with this)

The reason I answer all emails right away is three-fold. I personally love a quick response, so I love to make sure when people write to me, they get my attention and I will always respond right away if I am sitting here. If I don’t respond right away, your email is going to get lost in the pile, so I have to reply! My son stood over my computer and said “how do you keep your mailboxes so empty?” I thought that was strange so, I walked to his office and saw his….WHAT!!!! i’d die if I had his mailbox! I have generally no more then 3, or 8 emails pending in my mailboxes. First I look at it like it’s a list. Some I keep there to remind me of upcoming appointments, or trips. Others are there to decide if I want to participate. But there is never unopened mail in my any of my mailboxes. Only when I am traveling do these rules not apply!

My life online and off is pretty much run the same way. I love my lists! If something needs done, it’s done right away.

When I travel I make lists of things I want to accomplish before I go and while I am gone I make lists of things to complete when I get home.

But you asked….How do I do it? This is the best way to explain it.
I write list, I complete things right away and I just don’t procrastinate.

Oh and a by the way…I open my mail right away and sort it, and go through my magazines as soon as possible then toss or give away!

And then… I rest!