We're not always bothered by procrastination on our major goals. Putting off the small stuff can drive us nuts, and it all adds up. Here's a short post about a simple strategy for dealing with this needless delay.
One of things that I find strangest about procrastination is that something can literally take only a minute or two, and yet we'll put it off. We have problems starting, and with a task that only takes a minute, that means it may never get done.
A simple example is making a bed. Now, not everyone wants the bed made, and if that kind of tidiness is not part of your goal intentions, then forget it. I'm not advocating for a particular life style. I'm talking about meeting your goals, and this is only an example of the many "little" things in our lives that we may needlessly delay.
Even a small task like making a bed can be met with some initial reluctance. "I don't feel like it." "I hate making my bed." Maybe it has some deep roots in the relationship you had with your parents; maybe not. I don't think this is important, at least not right at that moment.
Here's the strategy: Count the seconds out loud as you make the bed. It can take as a few as 5 seconds to throw the pillows back in place and pull up the duvet (not typically a "mother-approved" approach). And, even if you fuss with the sheets in a way that would pass a military inspection, it might take 60 seconds. The thing is, it's done before you know it.
The irony for me is that if making your bed (or similar tasks) is part of your larger goal of "keeping up" or "keeping the place tidy," you'll find that we can spend more emotional energy avoiding and lamenting the task than actually doing it.
What's that common expression?
Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff.
Many people interpret this to mean not to care about the small stuff, and only that. It can also mean not to waste emotional energy on the small stuff, but to just get it done. When you've finished your rice, wash your bowl. It may be a path to enlightenment that you didn't expect.
Count the seconds while you get it done. You may find this strategy applies to getting lots of small stuff done in your life. More importantly, you'll probably learn that the delay in doing these tasks is irrational and not worth the emotional energy.
