I Am a Procrastinator!… by JoAnn

A cartoon of a frog with a sign that says procrastination.

Dirty Dishes
I am a procrastinator. There, I said it! My biggest fault in life is procrastination. At least that’s the way I feel.  I’m not proud of it by any means. It is something I have struggled with for some time. I don’t remember being this way growing up or in my early adulthood. Actually, I was more the opposite. Always striving to be on time and taking pride in doing things right the first time. Somewhere along the way, I slowed down. Sometimes I go farther than that and shut down. And thus, procrastination rears its ugly head.

I don’t like being this way, so why do I struggle so? After doing a little research, I realized I am not alone! It appears procrastination is a very common dilemma for a lot of people. And yes, this fact does make me feel better.  Nonetheless, I have a problem that I must address and work to improve.

Author Darius Foroux writes: “One thing all procrastinators have in common is that procrastination has a price!”

The definition of procrastinate is “Postpone doing what one should be doing”.  But we chronic procrastinators know that it does not stop there. A task can, or will, be put off until it is absolutely imperative it’s done. That can mean one day, one week, or one month. Unless we have a given deadline by an employer, teacher, etc. Without a deadline, a task may be put off for years. Ugh!  Procrastination is not a pretty trait to have. It can bring more stress and aggravation than the actual task we are avoiding in the first place.

Author and speaker Joyce Meyer said: “If you don’t even have power over that sink full of dirty dishes in your kitchen, how do you expect to have power over your life?!”

I’m relieved I took care of the mountain of dirty dishes in my kitchen before writing this. I almost put off writing this story until tomorrow when I had sleep and more time. I’m very happy I didn’t.

Abraham Lincoln said, “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”

No Abe, but we sure can give it a good try!