SOMETIMES THERE IS NO NEXT TIME”
By Jane Dovidio-Gagliardo
Have you ever started to do something or call someone and thought, “I’ll do it later or tomorrow,” but the time slips away, and you never end up completing the task or making that call? And before we know it, a week, month, or years go by and we still have not made that call or did that something we have put off doing. Do you ever wonder why your mind seems to process that way? There have been many studies regarding this question as to why we put things off or just plain old procrastinate. In the 2000 Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, studies show that our mood plays a big part in how and why we procrastinate. For me, if I’m really annoyed or pissed off about something, I get so much cleaning and sorting done. My adrenaline soars and out of anger, I get my whole house cleaned. Lol. But in my moments of sadness I eat, watch TV, and gorge on movies.
It seems our moods have much to do with not making that phone call or immediately dealing with a project we know must get done. But how often have I put those very things off only to find it has become too late to address the person or situation? So, I really try to do things or make calls immediately or in a timely fashion. In one study I read it said if we put the task on paper, yes make a list the old-fashioned way rather than in our phones, lol, this makes us psychologically responsible. In our minds, it seems we like to cross a task off our “To Do” list. Not only do we finish the task physically, but we also now cross it off manually and see the accomplishments right before us. I have always made a list and I really do love crossing off completed tasks. I highly recommend it. But what I want to say is this. Don’t let too much time pass when you need to make a call or complete a task. Unfortunately, time can make us lose some of the best people in our lives before we ever get to tell them that we love them or that we are sorry for the way things turned out.
The point I hope I’m conveying is that there is nothing more important than reaching out and settling something that’s been on your mind. Not for them, but for you. Oh, believe me, I understand about holding a grudge when you feel you have been wronged… I truly get it! I’m an Italian Mama for God’s sake. Lol. But I also realize that even if that relationship will never be, I need to have my say. It’s like a weight that comes off our shoulders. So, make time for the people and things you want to avoid because they’re uncomfortable. Take it from me, time really does pass quicker than we think and before we know it, it’s too late.
Along with your thoughts on what you need to stop procrastinating about, I leave you with this quote: “Don’t Dwell On What Went Wrong, Instead Focus On What To Do Next. Spend Your Energy On Moving Forward Together Towards An Answer.” (Dennis Wheatley)
Stay Safe. Stay Strong. Stay Fearless.
