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No Better Time Than Now!

Ahora or ahorita? Depending on whom you ask, you may get different answers such as "now" for ahora, or "right now" for ahorita. There is a big difference, I think between the two and I like to think that with a new year, new goals and dreams, and a refreshed, brand-new attitude ahorita (right about now) sounds good to me across the board.

Right now can also be do it now! Do it now is actually written in front of my PC monitor and is a constant reminder for me to avoid procrastinating, something with which I have often been all too familiar. While not all procrastination is bad (especially for big decisions or shopping on impulse), it's important that I know why I am either putting things off because I do not want to do them or think about them in the moment, or because I cannot do them or simply don't want to bother with them. It's a problem; however, when I put things off when I really ought to be doing them. Especially for things I don't enjoy, I feel like it's more critical to do these things to avoid the creep of procrastination and its effects later down the road. College was tough on me when it came to research papers because though I knew I could do them, I would put them off until the very few days before they were due and get them done because I simply had to (and would face consequences).

Doing things now takes some thoughtful practice - And some thoughtful thinking. It's important to consider balancing your thoughts or the reactions to the task or challenge at hand with introspection and self-awareness. For example, if you think about "doing project work tomorrow" instead of right now, ask yourself what you can get started on with the project to complete it earlier, quicker, or more effectively. Another example of a thought could be "I don't have time right now", ask yourself what you can do in the next 15 minutes that will move the needle on the results you desire. Case in point. I do not like to do monthly reporting for assignments at work - They're due at the end of the third week each month and I have learned that if I do parts of the report each week, when it comes to that third week when it's due, it's a little less of a burden to get it done then. Can you think of other examples? I am sure you can!

There are free tests out there to see how you manage your time or what your attitudes are about tackling things without procrastinating - In my opinion, much of it has to do with one's thinking and our attitude as quite frankly, we all have 24 hours in a day so time really shouldn't be an issue. But for someone like myself who tackles a family and multiple jobs and responsibilities, it's essential to be aware of and practice on some of the basics to help with procrastination. Here are just a few simple things to help:

  • Don't rush in the morning - Avoid this by rising early and when you plan to, not after you've hit the snooze button several times. I enjoy starting the day on the right foot!

  • Get the little things done first - Little wins help make the big wins more enjoyable. You can also build momentum in the day by raising your confidence after knocking out a few easy tasks or assignments, following up on email or voicemails, etc. Those things will get you ready for other bigger wins.

  • Talk to yourself - The conversation with yourself is ongoing and should be something that you engage with and attach some activity to such as making a list and prioritizing it - Yes, I am not very fond of lists but they help jot down loose thoughts or rid yourself of ideas circling your brain. If I see it, I am going to get it done - And for me, it works. Plus, you get the satisfaction of accomplishing something by marking things off a list. Of course, you can also make a list of what you are not going to do and ponder about tomorrow. Nonetheless, your Do It Now list needs to be bigger and prove more productive.

  • Aim for progress and not perfection - I am not a perfectionist and strive not to be -And of course there are exceptions. Perfection depends on the situation or a task (like a surgeon performing a procedure which needs to be done impeccably). But most things need not be perfect. I am someone who values doing little things well, persistently, consistently over a long period of time to produce results. This paradigm helps me to get going when I may not feel like it, manage my time more wisely, and be more productive by doing the things I need to do, should do, and may not want to do.

  • Be honest and realistic with yourself - Ask yourself what can be done and within what amount of time. Take breaks if you have to and reflect upon what you need to know or do and be aware of how things make you feel as these things will determine your beliefs and attitude. Moreover, be patient and understand that the moment is all you have, and you may as well be moving and living in that moment as tomorrow can't wait.

Get going, and make changes along the way! Do it now. Good luck!

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