THERE'S ALWAYS A GOOD REASON...

... to procrastinate.



“If at first I don't succeed, there is always next year.” Procrastinator’s Creed


We've all been guilty of that “I'll do it later” mentality. And there are lots of reasons for procrastinating – some of them even good reasons. The task may seem too overwhelming, we don't know where to begin, we’re afraid of failing -- or simply -- we don't like doing the job at hand.

I have some good news -- overcoming procrastination is less about developing will-power, and more about creating an environment that is conducive to completing the task. It’s hard to make yourself do something you hate -- but you can make yourself hate it a little bit less.

Here are some ways you can curb your tendency to procrastinate….

• Break tasks into small pieces. Make a list of the steps you need to take to reach your goal. Then tackle one step at a time, until you've finished the list. It's easier to motivate yourself to work on several small jobs rather than one huge task.


• Start your day with a task that you tend to put off. Whatever you normally hate to do -- clean the kitchen, do paperwork, make sales calls -- get it out of the way first thing in the morning. The rest of the day will be easier.


• Commit to spending just 15 minutes a day working on a task you’ve been putting off. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done in 15 minutes. And you'll probably work even longer on your project once you get started.

Procrastination has a way of ruling our lives if we don’t bring it under control. It takes wisdom and effort to break the clutches of procrastination, but the results are well worth it.

As one of my favorite Proverbs says “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads to poverty.”

FASHION EMERGENCY

My teenagers call me a fashion emergency. Actually, that's not quite true. They used to call me a fashion emergency. These days, no words are necessary. I can tell they disapprove of my wardrobe as soon as I walk in the room.

My 17-year-old daughter raises her eyebrows and gives the look to my 13-year-old daughter who is chewing her lip across the room. My 19-year-old son knows something is up – but he's learned from his dad that it's much easier to keep his mouth shut. He usually looks out the window.

"What's the problem?" I'll ask – in an effort to spare further humiliation.

"It's just those shoes..." says my eldest daughter, "and I mean that skirt is so last century."

Last century! Does she mean 1999?

"And Mom, what were you thinking when you put on that shirt," says my youngest. "It's like ten sizes too big."

Actually, she could be right because just like a department store, I should have those little size rings in my closet – "8, 10, 12, none of your business." Without my reading glasses – I'm never sure what size I end up with.

For many years, I ignored their rolling eyes – chalking it up to too many American Eagle commercials. But recently, while preparing to attend a professional conference, I was feeling a little "frumpy" - and decided to ask my daughters to help me update my look. Little did I know the experience was going to resemble an episode of the "What Not to Wear" reality television show.

We began in the tiny walk-in closet I "share" with my husband. (Actually, he has only 30% of the space but I am the one who never has anything to wear.) In less than 15 minutes, the girls had informed me of the myriad fashion faux pax I was making and outlined a set of rules.

1. Don't pull your pants and skirts up too high on your waist. (I tried to explain that after giving birth to three children, it was impossible to accurately locate my waist.)


2. Never, ever, let your socks peek out of your tennis shoes.


3. One word. Stillettos. (To which I added two words. Broken ankle.)


4. Stop thinking everything has to be "comfortable."
   

This last "rule" is what brought me to my senses. My teenagers may be up on the latest excruciating fashion trends – with nary a worry about future bunions – but I've already paid my fashion dues. Several decades ago -- with slippery Danskin wrap-around skirts, polyester pantsuits and platform shoes to rival those still worn by Elton John.

I've earned the right to wear comfy arch-supporting shoes and elastic waists if I choose. Fashion emergency or not.

SNOW DAY SURVIVAL

The snow is really piling up here in Nebraska today. In fact, I was scheduled to speak a MOPS at Calvary Community Church in Lincoln and had to cancel due to weather.

For parents, whether working at home or away, snow days can be a challenge. Here are some tips gathered from parents to help not only survive - but thrive - the next time a storm has you stuck indoors.

Snow Day Co-op
This can be a life saver for parents who work outside of the home. Make a pact with two or three other families to take turn caring for each others' children on snow days. It's easiest if families live nearby.

Mad Science
Here's what you need: small-mouthed jar, a little vinegar, baking soda and some balloons. Put an inch of vinegar in the jar. Put two teaspoons of baking soda in a balloon. Attach the balloon to the jar.

Now watch as the balloon inflates!

Throw a Surprise Party
One mom says, "A while back I needed something to overtake my daughter's boredom. So, I surprised her with a party. Just the two of us. I don't remember what the made-up reason was. I got out left over party supplies and she had a blast!"

Build a Fort
Turn a room into a fort by hanging curtains across a doorway. Have the kids pread old quilts on the floor and pile pillows in the doorway for a barrier. One mom says her boys spent all of one day playing in their fort with their plastic army men and little cars. "I brought in lunch on paper plates and let them have mess call there, too."

Ask the Girls Over for Tea
Brew a pot of tea or make some hot chocolate and ask neighborhood moms and their daughters over for a tea party. Store-bought or homemade cookies can round out the feast. Have the girls bring their dolls to sit with them at a specially decorated table while the moms enjoy time to chat.