Better Late than Never: If Time Fails as a Catalyst

Everyone procrastinates right? Recently I have started asking the question why do we procrastinate and how do we stop the cycle of delay.

If someone knew their talents would inevitably equal success they would waste no time getting busy and yet maybe that is the question. Is it a lack of confidence that keeps us stalled?

Believing is a great motivator; it forces one to take chances, to step forward, to be intentional.

Doubt steps in, that voice in your consciousness insisting: What is the point? I have recently broken through the doubt that was keeping me questioning myself.

It's been a year since my life-changing heart surgery and maybe that was one catalyst for this new forward motion. Time is not a given nor is it infinite.

Depression is a stumbling block as it makes it hard to have organized thought that is necessary for making decisions and moving forward. Sometimes there is too much confusion and stimuli to think straight, forget about moving forward with an idea or process.

One act of breaking routine can change everything. That one act came recently.

Have you ever had errands to run, places to go, social engagements and for some reason it all seems overwhelming-that is how I have lived for a long time. It started with one simple act of watching a sunset that truly changed everything for me.

After getting back to the gym, grocery shopping and a full day of work: I drove past my house and watched the sunset. When I was in the hospital I realized how much I missed photographing the sunset and finally I was sitting with the ducks watching the show.

The above pastel is included in a Gallerium Exhibition

Here is my summation of the process of killing procrastination.

1. Break Routine: Realize there is no reason to stay within the norm. Change things and destroy your routine with excitement and vigor. Be intentional and embrace a new activity.
2. Exercise: Working out has been off and on in my life but for the first time it feels like a necessary and even enjoyable break from going home after work. It breaks the depression state and definitely helps with anxiety. It is a major force that is driving me forward.
3. Get Involved: Make dates and join groups. This is such a simple task and probably the most uncomfortable. If you are overwhelmed, it feels very uncomfortable embracing anything new or committing to something out of your comfort zone.
4. Be Creative: Everyday find something creative to practice and make it the norm instead of something out of the routine.
5. Journalling: I've heard so many say how much it organizes thoughts and keeps one engaged with themselves and I'm starting to understand this concept.
6. Healthy Diet: Eat well, I'm learning this might be one of the best habits to add to your regiment. When you eat better, you feel more alert, you have more energy and less guilt when eating something that in the past seemed sinful. I love ice cream-If you're working out and eating right, a treat is not such a failure.

In the last few weeks, I won a spot in an online art exhibition, worked out with intention and excitement, changed my diet considerably, blogged every week for the last four weeks and finished writing my first children's book.

Change is uncomfortable, it takes time, it takes discipline but the difference you feel is amazing. Confidence and feeling better physically and mentally allows the change to progress with consistency. Almost immediately, the first feeling I've felt in procrastination is the excitement in moving forward, in changing my routine.

It has been an incredible few weeks and I am excited to see where the momentum takes me and my creative endeavors. If you can relate to this post, share your stories on how you finally got moving or how you are struggling.