To some extent, the accomplishments, successes, and achievements we enjoy in life, are the results of what we do (and don’t do).  We all know the importance of TAKING ACTIONS.  There is definitely no shortage of wise sayings on that and here are some of my favourites:

There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction. ~ John F. Kennedy

Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often. ~ Mark Twain

Action is the foundational key to all success. ~ Pablo Picasso

With all these wisdom readily accessible, why do we still fall victim to INACTION and settle for the less-than-desirable results from the lack of actions?  Why do we not do what we know we ought to do in order to get what we want? Why do we sit on good intentions or wishful thinking, and not do anything about them?

For me, the number one culprit is neither ignorance nor fear.  Ignorance is easily overcome through learning, and fear through understanding.  The real culprit is  PROCRASTINATION – a habit that most people possess.

Procrastination can often lead to loss of opportunities, regrets from not taking timely actions, missed deadlines, last minute rush, broken promises, etc.  The results are mostly undesirable. When it comes to taking care of our health, procrastination may also cost us our lives!

Now, the good news is, procrastination isn’t incurable.  One simple remedy is to DO IT NOW! Yes, do it right now, especially if it takes no longer than 5 minutes to carry it out. Often, it consumes more energy to manage the procrastinated tasks on an ever-growing to-do list than simply to just do it. Get it done, and feel the sense of accomplishment that completion brings you – it’s a nice feeling, no matter how small or insignificant the task may be.

Of course, there are times when it is wise to procrastinate (or eliminate if possible). If you really need to procrastinate, make sure you put a specific time to deal with that later, and not just defer it indefinitely.  Son, try this out, and experience the fruits of your labour from choosing to take actions instead of inaction.  And if you catch me procrastinating, remind me to DO IT NOW.

Love,

Your Procrastinate-no-more Dad