Procrastination

Procrastination

I'm the coordinator for a Yoga program that offers classes 3 days a week.

My Thursday evening instructor, call her Sally, was always late for her 6:45
class. We honored her request and moved the class time out till 7:00. Then
Sally started coming at 7:15. So I replaced Sally with an internship program
for new yoga teachers - who show up on time. Sally's a popular teacher so I
kept her twice weekly Sunday mornings -figuring she would clean up her act,
having lost her Thursdays. Sally still shows up at 8:10 for her 8:00 class.

Puzzled by Sally's behavior I did some research and this is what I learned
about procrastination:

*Procrastination is only remotely related to time management,
(procrastinators often know exactly what they should be doing, even if they
cannot do it), which is why very detailed schedules usually are no help.

*The procrastinator is often remarkably optimistic about his ability to
complete a task on a tight deadline.

*I'm Too Busy - Procrastinators may be used to calling attention to how busy
they are. " The procrastinator may even spend considerable time justifying
his reasons, time that could be spent doing the task at hand.

*Manipulation - Procrastination may be used to control or manipulate the
behavior of others. "They cannot start if I am not there." Let's face it:
deliberate delay drives others crazy.

*Coping with Pressures - Procrastination is often truly difficult to
eradicate since the delay behavior has become a method of coping with
day-to-day pressures and experiences. If you stop procrastinating, won't
others put new demands and expectations on you? It's easier to have an
excuse, to delay, to put off.

There are consequences to procrastination. To Sally it was losing her
opportunity to teach Yoga, something she really enjoys. To all you property
owners out there who haven't yet filed your property tax appeals - your
consequences can be many thousands of dollars you needlessly pay.

Stop procrastinating! You only have until NEXT WEEK to file your Pay 2010
Property Tax Appeals. Pick up the phone RIGHT NOW and call Laurie at
763-420-4757 to determine if an appeal makes sense for you.




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