As I sit here, ignoring the mountain of correcting sitting in my backpack waiting for my attention, I am struck with an uncomfortable realization: I am a procrastinator. It’s true and I can no longer deny it.
I have heard the advice from countless sources. I should prioritize my tasks and work on the most difficult ones first. I am great at the former, terrible at the latter. I prioritize with the best of them…then the simple tasks look way too inviting. I complete those, which inevitably lead to something else entirely. Usually this something else isn’t even on the original list.
The reason behind most of my procrastination, or choosing those tasks I deem “simple,” is often that I don’t know what needs to be done to accomplish the “hard stuff.” Either I don’t know where to begin or I don’t understand the process. It is this type of procrastination that has put me into my current dilemma. I am responsible for recruiting/securing 15 judges for the state DECA conference on March 14th. I knew I needed to complete this task a few months ago. I simply didn’t know how to go about it. I haven’t been in my current position for long enough to form solid contacts. I haven’t lived in Bismarck long enough to know many local business owners. So now, here I am, 4 days away from my drop-dead date and I need 10 more people. (Helpless cry out to my 5 readers…can you judge on March 14th? I would owe you big time!)
So what do I do when I have a list that includes grading the 3 page papers I assigned last week; creating a project for my marketing students to reinforce branding; securing DECA judges; tackling my VoiceThread latte sessions; etc? Blog. Remember, blogging was also on my “To Do” list. I just understood the steps necessary to complete this particular project.
Another reason for my lack of task completion…those babies of mine. They always seem to have a list of things they need me to do. Mommy, play with me. Mommy, change my diaper. Mommy, hold me. Mommy, wash my bottles so that I can eat again. Mommy, FEED ME NOW! These items always take priority…always. Often, I don’t know what the crying means, and frequently don’t get it right on my first try, but the list of possibilities is pretty short. I can generally find something to make them give me a little baby grin that makes it all worth it.
I guess the moral of this particular blog is to remind myself that I have a problem. Admitting it is the first step…right?
