Procrastination

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Kristen Gruntorad Peterson LMSW, click picture to see her page

Do One Thing Different

I’ve lived long enough to know that I’m not the only one who struggles with negative behavior patterns, lack of organization and perpetual procrastination. 

 I sadly assumed writing a simple blog post would be relatively quick and easy.  To my dismay I couldn’t focus on a topic to save my life.  Randomly, I picked up a book called Do One Thing Different by Bill O’Hanlon, which has been sitting on my nightstand for months.  Chapter two begins with this quote:

                 When you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount
                                                                                                                                    -Dakota tribal saying

Turns out I’ve been riding a dead horse for many years.  I won’t bore you with a book report, but I encourage everyone to read Do One Thing Different.  Instead, I want to share a very simple example of how to execute this simple concept with the issue of procrastination.  O’Hanlon offers a strategy that includes identifying the problem and then focusing on behavior patterns that essentially fuel the fire. 

Problem – The feeling of being chronically overwhelmed and exhausted. Constantly feeling busy, but never feeling any sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

How does an individual “do” this problem – Staying up late at night, sleeping in as late as possible each day,  taking personal phone calls throughout the day, checking social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest etc.) numerous times throughout the day, playing online games and watching hours of television.

The simple task of writing this out reveals a laundry list of things done daily that are completely unproductive and time consuming.  In an effort to break some of these unproductive behavior patterns a person decides what they’re willing to “do differently”.  This starts with literally doing just ONE thing different.  It’s that simple! Here are some examples:

o   waking up each morning early enough to exercise/meditate 
o   making an attainable checklist of things to accomplish during the day
o   allow timed breaks during the day to check social media/socialize with friends
o   limiting the amount of time in front of the television each night

 Challenge yourself to do one thing different!  My hope is that you see progress and begin to end each day feeling a little more satisfied with your efforts at mastering this thing called life.
~ Kristen Peterson LMSW