Procrastination Diary - Flexibility
By Kerul Kassel
My clients, colleagues, and friends know I’m writing a book on procrastination, and that I’m also moving, selling my house in New Jersey and building one in Florida. I’ve rented a house (also brand new) in the neighborhood where I’m building, and was due to move in last week. However, Hurricane Frances delayed those plans, and I’m still stuck in NJ. Meanwhile, I’ve continued to make entries in the procrastination diary. Here’s one from the other day.
September 7, 2004
I’m still unable to get into our rental house, and still don’t know when I’ll be able to. I’m hoping, after this week of limbo, that I’ll have some more definite and positive answers sometime later today. Over the last couple of days it has been occurring to me that since I’m unable to move forward with other things, this could have allowed me more time to write, to go birding, to go to the movies, to read. While I have watched a few movies on television, and actually went out to see one, and did finish a book, I have not spent much time writing, nor almost any time birding.
I could use the distraction of being in what feels like suspended animation as a rationalization, and it would do in a pinch. Better, though, I could realize that it didn’t even occur to me that I could spend more time writing until a few days ago. I could acknowledge that I’ve spent an awful lot of time watching The Weather Channel to see what the various hurricanes are doing and juggle my options. I could accept that there have been lots of small details to attend to, and that they’ve taken some time and effort.
In short, I could use this as an opportunity to beat myself up, or I could use it to look for what’s right, as well as the opportunities present in the situation.
What is right?
I didn’t have to be in Florida for Hurricane Frances .
I was able to spend some quality time with my mom while staying at her house and have learned to appreciate her even more.
I got to visit two different sets of aunts and uncles on two occasions, and even help out one of them.
I helped my mom choose and buy a new refrigerator (she needed one and likely wouldn’t have done it on her own in the near future).
Since all of my business clothes are in storage, and I may not get them before an important business presentation, I bought a great new set of outfits that I’m delighted with, and will increase my presence and confidence during the presentation.
While this transition has been time-consuming, expensive, inconvenient, and is still unresolved, it allows me to be thankful that I have so many systems, practices, reserves, and structures in place so that I can weather it essentially unscathed.
I have developed more faith in my ability to practice flexibility and openness (which is a substantial accomplishment for a former control freak!).
What opportunities are present in this situation?
It’s a fun and interesting story to live through and be able to tell to clients and audiences; I’ve already started working it in to one of my presentations.
This limbo-time can be used to write and to create a new and superb presentation.
Because such a substantial portion of my possessions and conveniences have been (and continue to be) in storage, I can appreciate and be grateful for how useful and treasured some of them are, as well as appreciate how little I really need.
This has been an opportunity to ask for help from others, which is not something I’m practiced at doing but is, appropriately done, a way to accept providence and take advantage of circumstances or potential results that might otherwise be lost.
What situations are you finding yourself in where increasing your flexibility, looking for what is right and seek out opportunities that could be available to you could take you from struggle to possibility?
Copyright 2006, New Leaf Systems.com
About the Author
Kerul Kassel New Leaf Systems
Procrastinating again? Let me know - because I can help!
Coaching, workshops, and presentations to cultivate success, enhance satisfaction, improve productivity, and foster potential.
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