Procrastination, the check's in the mail

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Philip Crawford
  • 3rd Medical Support Squadron
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  While commenting on the topic of procrastination, famed American author and humorist, Mark Twain was once quoted as saying we should "Never put off till tomorrow what we can do the day after tomorrow." The reason I believe most of us can appreciate the ironic humor in that statement, is because at some point in our life, we've all been there. Whether it was a passing season in our youth, back in our college days, or whether it continues to be a way of life; the truth is, that most of us still have a propensity to procrastinate from time to time. 

So, is procrastination really that harmful, or is it nothing more than a minor personality quirk? I suppose the answer to that question depends largely upon how often and upon which matters, one procrastinates. To place this in context and to get a grasp on exactly what procrastination looks like, a proper definition is in order. According to Webster's dictionary, procrastination is, "the act of postponing, delaying or putting off, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness." So, by definition, procrastination is indeed a very serious matter which can lead to both short and long term negative outcomes. After analyzing that definition, I'm certain there are some readers of this article who may be saying to themselves, - 'Well, I may procrastinate a little bit, but I'm certainly not lazy or careless; and even so, I would never procrastinate on anything that could have a detrimental impact on me or my family.' Or would you? 

When the topic of procrastination comes up, it seems we are most often reminded of our high school and college days, quite possibly with good cause. A recent Rand Corporation study revealed that 95 percent of college students procrastinate in their schoolwork. Could that be you? Have you put off completing your CDCs? How about enrolling in college courses? Could putting off completing your education have a serious impact on your professional life, promotion opportunities, or the ability for you to provide for your family? 

Students aside, how about the rest of us? Do you find yourself procrastinating on any of these equally important areas like health, work, financial or socializing? 

With your health, do you make, and most importantly keep, necessary medical appointments or do you ignore what your body is telling you? Have you been putting off starting an exercise routine? Do you need to alter your diet and maybe lose a few pounds? How about quitting tobacco products? 

What about work? Do you have a schedule, and if so, do you keep it? How about attending meetings and completing all those "last minute" suspenses which you have known about for weeks? 

With your finances, have you started an investment and savings plan? Do you budget your money or do you live paycheck to paycheck? Have you filed your taxes this year or; because of procrastination, have you had to request an extension to the April 15th deadline? 

How about socializing, have you put off going out and just enjoying yourself? Have you found yourself not seeing friends as often as you once did, or are you not phoning your family regularly? These are easy things to let happen, especially, during the long, cold Alaskan winters, so don't let them. 

Wow, still reading? If you are, you are likely saying, 'enough already, you're depressing me!' Trust me, I know how you feel. In the interest of full disclosure, I have at some point in my life found myself guilty of all the above, so, once again, in the words of former President Bill Clinton, "I feel your pain." 

Moving on, I am now going to practice something I have preached to each and every member of my squadron. Don't bring problems, bring solutions! So, if you find yourself procrastinating and you're wondering what you can do, stop, and consider the following. 

Stop the complacency, the way to do this is by challenging yourself. Identify problems in your life and challenge yourself to meet the test. Is it going to school? Getting another certification? Going to the gym even though American Idol is on television? As the Nike slogan reminds us, Just Do It! 

Stop whining about how unpleasant something is and begin doing something about it. How about this; commit to doing one necessary, but frustrating task each day that you might normally postpone. It gets easier with time, trust me. 

Do Not Fear Failure, face your fears head-on and get in the game. You show me a person whose fear of failure has driven them to the point of inaction, and I'll show you a person who will never accomplish anything in life. 

Paralysis of Analysis: We have all heard this refrain before and it bears repeating. Do not analyze a situation to such a degree that you become static. I'm not suggesting your decisions should be hasty or a matter of, Ready, Shoot, Aim - but, we would all do well to remember the words of General George S. Patton who once said, "If you have a plan you are 51 percent sure of, execute it. If you are 80 percent sure, violently execute it". 

I could continue, but, I'll get off my soap box now with the hope at least one of you will take - and use - this information to improve the quality of your life. Procrastination truly is an ugly thing and one that; with time and persistence, you can overcome. 

I'll close with yet another quote, this time by none other than Benjamin Franklin, who once said, "You may delay, but time will not". So...Get Er Done!