Turn Later Into Now

By Anna Manuel

“Later.” We've all said that to ourselves. We all have that one item staring at us defiantly on our post-it note labeled “To Do.” It doesn't go away day after day, week after week. And every time we think about it, we feel the knot in our stomach tighten. We find ourselves procrastinating yet again. 

Why do we procrastinate?

It is human to put things off that we perceive to be unpleasant. Avoidance is one of our many ways of coping with anxiety, and it's what kept the cavemen alive. They avoided going to places at times when predators were about, or eating unfamiliar plants that might be poisonous. Realistically, whatever it is that you are avoiding doing probably won’t kill you, but the unpleasant feeling is a perception which needs to be acknowledged, then accepted as neither true nor false, and finally set aside so that you can freely do what you need to do.

For example, you need to make a phone call that could make or break your plan of starting a project this year. The fact is, making that phone call sets expectations that can result in either a favorable or unfavorable response. Your choices are to call and know the result now, or delay and be driven by what you imagine the results will be. 

Take a moment and think of something that you have been procrastinating about. Notice the thoughts, the sensations in your body, and the feelings that thinking about this task causes. Acknowledge them as they happen. Sit with them for about five minutes, then write them down.

Why not do it now?

We all have 24 hours in a day, and we have the power to decide how to invest that time in things that matter to us or our loved ones. Here are a few pointers to help propel you into action: 

Ask yourself, “if I do what I intend to do now, what will it give me?” It could be peace of mind, brain space to do other things, time and energy to enjoy yourself or be with family, feelings of accomplishment, freedom—all of which are worthwhile. Don’t you agree? Placing yourself “after the fact” can bring you to a more positive and happier place as you focus on the benefits of doing the task rather than the unpleasant feelings of the task itself.

Put the task in your calendar with an intended finishing date and time. Doing so gives a reality to its being accomplished and honors you as someone who has the power to accomplish it. Write it in a way that motivates you to get on with it, and write in the past tense to bring you after the fact. See these examples: 

• “Ran 5km easily. I felt energized!” 
• “Sent ____ a clear and concise email. I expressed myself clearly.” 
• “Wrote a satisfying outline for this article. I felt ready!” 

Set out to do one or two important tasks per day. This way, it is easier for you to actually see them through and feel good about yourself. If you aim to do too many things and end up not completing all of them, you might second-guess your ability to do them. 

Schedule the most difficult or unpleasant tasks that you've been putting off at the start of your day. Imagine being able to do them before 10 am, and having the rest of the day to go and do what you want to do with a mind that's free and inspired. Doesn't that give you a wonderful feeling? 

Designate a planning or working space in your home. Let the whole family know what it means for you to have this space, and set limits on what they can do whilst you're in this space. Don't let getting disturbed or distracted derail you from your aim of getting tasks done! 

What you should do now is take out your calendar and choose a couple of tasks you have been procrastinating about. Set a date and time for doing them, and choose a space at home where you will do them. Write in the past tense and describe how you’ll feel when these tasks are done.

Procrastinating can plunge us into stressful patterns of thought, which can drain our energy reserves. Instead, know that you can choose to do the things you intend to do now and replenish your energy reserves. You can choose powerfully and reap the benefits of having peace of mind and a sense of accomplishment, and be able to invest your time in what matters to you and your loved ones the most. 

This article was originally published in BAMBI Magazine January 2018.

About the Author

Anna has always loved stories. A reading specialist and stage performer, she runs a storytelling caravan: Heads and Tales – Craft Your Story. Anna conducts workshops for families on storytelling, storybook writing, and instilling the love of reading. She hopes to get more families and schools involved in raising lifelong readers. For more information about her work please visit annamanuel.com.