We all procrastinate. Well, almost all of us. In a five-year study of procrastination that actually took ten years (so who is calling the kettle black here), psychologist Piers Steel, Ph.D., at the University of Calgary found that 95% of us report that we have postponement issues. For many of us, we procrastinate with jobs or projects that we find too tedious. Or it can be something we are unsure we are capable of tackling successfully.
Once again, I turn to understanding our personality types. Our strengths and weaknesses will usually point to the things we dread doing and thus put off until the deadline is right in our lap. For me, it is almost anything that requires detailed paperwork filled with excruciating steps to achieve—like registering our Longhorn cattle. I put that off and run like hell to avoid it until I am faced with an unmovable timeline. And for these tasks, we should just hire people to help us. Getting help is always a good idea—money well spent. Although there are some jobs we just have to do ourselves.
One thing I put off for 35 years was embracing the fact that I had studied to be a fine artist, yet never really pursued that career. Yes, I had plenty of reasons to put it off while running and growing my company, T3, raising three children and staying involved in a plethora of volunteer efforts.
One day, I tried the obvious—the old Swiss Cheese Method—but it took courage. I started with one canvas, a set of brushes, a pile of acrylic paint tubes and an easel. Step by step, I started to regain my passion and talent. It was so compelling that I started to picture myself with a one-woman art show. It actually happened at a gallery in New York City (pictured above)—and it all happened relatively quickly—and I have never looked back. It made me think, what was I really waiting for?
If we have a dream, talent and passion, there is no time to waste to start making them come true. It doesn’t have to be the big thing all at once. If we just start and surround ourselves with people who can make our dreams a reality, then there is no time for procrastination.
Do what you love. Love what you do. Try to outsource as much of the rest as you can. And when you can’t, don’t beat yourself up with guilt—just hit it one step at a time until it is done.
The summer can be a good time to tackle the jobs we put aside during the rest of the year.
Checking off the to-do list, but tackling the big dreams, too—
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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