“Procrastination is my sin, it brings me naught but sorrow. I know that I should stop it. In fact, I will — tomorrow!”
—Gloria Pitzer
Procrastination is not just one problem. It’s entwined with motivation and organization. Together these three issues are like the witches from Macbeth. Any bit of “bubble, bubble, toil, and trouble” that comes up in my life is usually because of my inability to get these three under control.
Sometimes when I have a complex task or even just a collection of smaller jobs with lots of detail, it’s almost paralyzing. One part of me is all dread and avoidance. Another says, “Get on with it!” And then it’s, “Well, I need a plan. Let’s get organized first.”
Then I check my email, channel surf, watch two Real Housewives of Anywhere episodes, browse eBay, and make a few notes on a legal pad. In the margins, I draw Snoopy, then I turn on a playlist and check Twitter… See where I’m going?
Nowhere, fast. Did I get anything done? Eventually, yes, but it took way longer than it should have. Why do we do this? It’s not just me, right?
I’m envious of people who run their lives like a spreadsheet. They update tasks, cross them off when done, and color-code events by priority. My system — if you could call it that — is to slap Post-it notes all over the house and hope I somehow stay on track. It’s only marginally effective because I usually forget to buy Post-it notes.
My tech-savvy friends tell me about apps on my phone that will set reminders and ping me when something is due. I’m a screen addict; I spend more time on my phone and tablet than is healthy, so one would think this would work.
It doesn’t.
With procrastination, motivation, and organization, low-tech works best for me. I have a cabinet full of yellow legal pads, graph paper, and my favorite pens. I live for these supplies because something about lines, boxes, and a good pen makes putting details together easier.
My family calls me “Dory” because I forget things almost instantly. But if it’s written on a legal pad or the odd-but-compelling flow charts I create on graph paper? It will happen. Why does this work for me? I have no idea, but it’s my saving grace in staying employed and not going bankrupt.
There is something that hits the brain, like dopamine or endorphins, when we check an item off a list. There might be some studies on it, but one doesn’t have to be a brain surgeon to know that feeling accomplished will improve productivity.
Confession time: I’ve added something to my list that I had already done just to get that brain hit of good vibes by checking it off. Not going to lie; some days, it’s the only win I get.
Recently, a well-meaning friend tried to tell me that the “inner satisfaction” of knowing I was productive and efficient was its own reward. Um, not so much. Inner satisfaction for me often comes from french fries or a piece of pizza. I’m working on that, but I need a tangible benchmark if I want to accomplish something.
Sometimes it’s a deal I make with myself. If I get a certain amount of work done, I get to meet a friend for a movie or a drink. Or, it might be a purchase, such as finishing an article means treating myself to a burger or new shoes. The good thing is that a bacon cheeseburger never makes your shoes too tight. I’ve put some thought into this system.
It’s hard to push through the many detours your mind can take when you struggle with procrastination, motivation, and organization. It’s truly a triple threat, but the only way past it is through it, so I push on.
I’m currently working my way through an extensive list of assignments and tasks before I go on vacation. I’ve used up two legal pads already and have only checked off one item. Wish me luck!
Brenda Kelley Kim has lived in Marblehead for 50 years, and is an author, freelance writer, and mother of three. Her column appears weekly.