Reformed Procrastinator?

Eighty-four days.

That's how long it's been since my last blog post. Oops. 

Believe it or not, that's an improvement for me.  I was looking through my current journal--yes, I actually keep a hard copy, pen-to-paper account of my daily life--and realized that I went one year and two months between my first and second posts.  I suppose it was a slow year?

And there's always room for more improvement, which is why I'm embarking on a reformation.  A reformation to weed of my procrastination tendencies.  To some degree, I know everyone has them.  But I fear my have become even more pronounced since I've started working from home.  I'm a deadline person.  As much as I hate to admit it, I thrive on the stress and anxiousness that comes along from having due dates.  And I'm not talking about a "have this to me in the next week or two" type of deadline.  I'm talking about the "hurry, I need this within the hour" type of time lines. 

For some reason, I thrive when the adrenaline is pumping and I know there's only a limited time until Game Over. 

Undefined or long-term projects aren't exactly my forte. I can have a week to work on something and still wait until the last minute.  In those situations I'm usually cursing myself and my lack of due diligence when it comes to working ahead, but I haven't been able to find a way to effectively change my behavior.  After all, I have yet to fail to follow through and produce more than adequate results.  And I know that's part of what's contributing to my unhealthy time management behavior--my ability to pull together everything in the end. 

If there are no negative consequences, then why change?

But change I must.  I've decided it's an important step, if I ever want to really feel like I've transitioned into adulthood.  So, I made a list of several New Year's Resolutions. Most of them involved some long-term project or reoccurring tasks. 

To my surprise, I've managed to keep up with many of them so far.  Since I'm planning on changing jobs by early spring many of them involve updating and enhancing my professional platform.  I've given myself to the end of January to build a website, update my resume and portfolio, and create a stronger online presence. 

Check. Check. And semi-Check. 

Once I commit to a routine blogging schedule (or at least something that's more than a post every eighty-two days), I'll give myself the rest of the third check mark. 

SIDE NOTE: I'd just like to say, I'm still not sure about this whole new expectation of employers, and wider society, have for us to be all tech-savvy and present online.  While I feel like I'm accomplishing my resolutions by building my online presence, what I'm really feeling is, "God, please don't let someone start stalking me." 

The only resolution I haven't kept completely in line with (besides this blog, I mean) is the tentative writing schedule I've made for myself.  Sadly, I am about ten pages behind in my manuscript.  I keep telling myself that I'll just write an extra page or two a day, or make it up over the weekend. I've decided that excuse is equivalent to a drug addicts, "I'm not an addict. I can stop whenever I want. Just give me one more hit" scenario. 

It's an imaginary crutch that I need to leave behind, so I can stand on my own and take off running.  So a healthy dose of mental conditioning is on my horizon.  And a list of consequences.  Maybe if I delve out personal consequences when I don't fulfill tasks in a timely manner, then I can cure myself of my procrastination. 

I'll have to make a list of daily tasks and coordinating consequences. They'll have to be legit too, so I won't slip up.  No iPod for the night? Not being able to watch the newest Pretty Little Liars when it's on, or, lord forbid, no chocolate for a day!  With consequences like those, I'd surely stay on the straight and narrow.  Now to find a Consequence Commissioner to keep me on task and hand out my punishments accordingly. . .

That's all for now, folks.  Until next time stay awesome, and I'll do my best to continue my reform!