Thursday, October 2, 2008

Procrastination--when a blog is more like a log



OK--so I didn't become a superhuman blog machine. I have a blog now, it's a good thing (I think) and like many other good things in my life, it has just sat there. More like a log than a blog.


It made me think of all the other things that have fungus growing on them in my life. (Don't be too literal here...go with me) There's my tennis game...haven't been out to swing the old racquet in some weeks now. But in typical form, when I go out next, I'll expect to be at the top of my game, and be mad at myself when I'm not. Then there's attention to my finances, seeding my yard, cleaning up the garage (uggh) and deciding whom to vote for.


It all comes down to that lovely word PROCRASTINATION.


  • While academic procrastination is not a special type of procrastination, procrastination is thought to be particularly prevalent in the academic setting, where students are required to meet deadlines for assignments and tests in an environment full of events and activities which compete for the students' time and attention. More specifically, a 1992 study showed that "52% of surveyed students indicated having a moderate to high need for help concerning procrastination

When I was in school, I used to leave a book on Procastination on my coffee table, just so when someone asked me if I had read it, I could say "NO, I HAVEN"T GOTTEN AROUND TO IT."


I'm wondering how procrastination works for you--is it fear that grips you? Is it a nagging perfectionism that inists everything must be perfect for others to be impressed with your performance? Is it just anxiety--that won't let you start on the multiple projects you have because you just don't see how you'll finish?


Ok--a little Bible for you. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”- Proverbs 29:25


For me, procrastination is about the snare of fear--wanting to have my stuff together so that others will be impressed. The bigger the project, the more I want it to be perfect--and the more I want others to like me and my accomplishments. I remember putting off my senior paper in College (it was supposed to be over 100 pages) piling research upon research, and never quite getting around to putting it all together. In that instance, it took someone else to come alongside and help in order to get the wheels moving again.

So here's the questions:

1. What are you procrastinating?

2. Any clue why?

3. Who in your world is in a place to help you have a better perspective on your fear?


2 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for your good message on procrastination. As a semi-perfectionist and "process" person, I know what it is to battle with this problem. But at 57 years old, I am learning to do things differently. So take heart! Now on to finish my doctoral project!
Jim

Henry Staples said...

Hey Rich Kidd; you crack me up on the procrastination book.

Keep the words rolling; you have a gift.