Productive procrastination
Every morning, one of the first things I do is write a to-do list. It’s a ritual that helps me prepare for my day and helps improve my mindset for the day. It has become important to me for several reasons.
One, it helps me declutter my brain. I am a tactile person, and I love the feel of a pen in my hand, being able to see on paper what I need to do, and to see a road map of my day. For whatever reasons, it doesn’t quite work the same on the computer. I’ve tried every app out there because I love the idea of utilizing the computer, the ability to quickly adjust priorities as things change, the convenience of a reminder or timer. But for me, it doesn’t get it out of my brain. I still hang onto my mental list, which can be distracting.
Two, it helps me map out an efficient plan. This is my favorite part. By calling this source first, I can work on task two while I wait for their return call. I can write this article at this time, then take care of small but necessary tasks while my subconscious ruminates on that sentence I can’t make work or the idea I’m just not conveying correctly. I can make the best plans. It’s generally the follow through I struggle with.
Three, it gives me the best possible method of procrastination. Sometimes, I think the best possible thing for us can also be the worst. Writing out to-do lists, planning out my week, even showering all things I turn to when I start feeling overwhelmed. It helps — to a point. The problem is when it’s 10:30 in the morning, and all I’ve managed to do it is fill out my calendar or re-write my to-do list a thousand times or maybe only wash my hair.
It’s so easy for me to focus on the tiny wins — reorganizing the pantry, cleaning off my desk, catching up on my TV shows. I do the low risk things that give me a sense of accomplishment, and put the bigger things on the back burner — things like my short stories, literary submissions, even this blog.
It’s been more than two months since my first post. I thought by including in my bio that there would be new posts every week that I’d be more motivated. Then, the first week went by. I knew I should have done it, but I had X, Y, and Z to do. After that, the second post would make it on to my to-do list every now and then, but I could always justify not writing it.
I know I’m not the only one gets distracted by the wrong things. Maybe you don’t get caught up in organizing and reorganizing, but we all have our pitfalls. A quick skim on Facebook reveals the armies of keyboard warriors who get upset for someone being too conservative, too liberal, too centrist; who get upset because of what celebrities do or wear.
And yet, bad things happen don’t just happen on the news or in Hollywood. They happen right here at home, too. In Mississippi, we’re surrounded by poverty, poor health, and unstable communities. According to Mississippi KIDS COUNT’s 2017 factbook, Mississippi is behind the nationwide statistics in 11 of its 16 categories. Nearly half of kids live in a single-parent home. More than a third of kids have parents who lack secure employment. Three-quarters of eighth graders are not proficient in math
Now, these are all just statistics, but the reality is these statistics are made up of people, people like your neighbors. These are kids who share a classroom with your children. They sit in the same church as you. They pass you in the supermarket. What are you doing for them?
We, as a whole, have to stop being distracted. I have to stop being distracted by my planning and, if I’m really honest, my Facebook usage. We can make a change, even if it’s small. We can lend compassionate ears, thoughtful discussions, and loving kindness. After all, we have the best example to follow. Jesus had the power to come in guns blazing, but He chose not to. He chose to focus on and cultivate personal relationships. He stood strong by His values while remaining compassionate to a group that society deemed misfits and villains, and he instructed us to follow his lead.
It’s time we take that step, that we move forward by reaching out to our neighbors. I encourage you to look around you and see how you can begin making a difference in the lives around you. If we all start making small improvements in the lives of those around us, we can start a ripple effect that shines God’s grace, mercy and love on this damaged world.
