On Procrastination
In general, in most parts of my life and work, I’m a get-it-done kind of lady. When it comes to this one particular item – writing a monthly blog post – I’m the biggest procrastinator ever.
I always have really good excuses…
“I just got back from a really busy (and totally amazing!) weekend retreat.”
“I’ve been juggling some childcare challenges.”
“I’ve been working on lots of new class plans.”
“I’ve spent time cooking for some friends and neighbors who needed a little help.”
And none of that would be a lie. But the real truth (get ready for the yogi confessional) is, quite simply…
I’m procrastinating.
Why do I procrastinate?
In my procrastinating this month, I think I might have come to recognize why I put this off and always seem to find other “more important” things to do when it’s newsletter writing time.
I care a lot what you think. It’s been going on for awhile, like, ever since I can remember.
My drive for you to think highly of me rears its ugly head when it comes time to write something. I get worried that you might think what I’m writing about is lame. Or that I’m bothering you by sending this newsletter.
Now in most things, I’ve mostly gotten over myself. I don’t care so much about what you think of my clothes or my hair or my post-baby belly (okay, maybe I’m still working on that one!) I’m really confident in the value of what I’m offering so I don’t really care if you like my classes.
When it comes to things that will be photographed, or in print, or on the interwebs for(ever?) a long time to come, I’m almost paralyzed by my need to be perfect because of what you might think and so I would totally prefer to avoid than to actually do.
So instead, I do the things I love like cooking, practicing yoga, planning classes, doing laundry, going to the car wash, watering the garden, playing with the kids…procrastination at its finest!
Get Going!
And while all of those things are helpful and good in their own way, I totally know that there are just those things you have to make yourself do because they move you forward toward your goals, even if they make you uncomfortable. For me, it’s writing a newsletter. Putting myself and my offerings out there whether you like it or not so that hopefully you will all come to class and I can make a living as a yoga teacher.
Here’s the real point of all of this: are you reading this because you are avoiding something you should or have to do? If so, own it. Call yourself on it and then go! Get on with it, friend! Stop procrastination. Get on your yoga mat. Finish your work. Clean your house. Call your mother. Go to the dentist. Go to bed. Whatever it is for you, go and do it.
Love, Tara
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