Do you find yourself sending a lot of time making lists, setting goals and planning, without getting things done? Then this post is for you, by Rosa Fairfield.
Photographs by Linda Smith
I've read so many blog posts stressing the importance of planning and making to-do lists to stop yourself from procrastinating. I currently have about 10 notebooks filled with ideas that I've been changing and developing. I also have post-it notes covering my house listing all the things I need to do. The trouble is, I at least spend a good 2 or 3 hours a day just planning things and making lists of things I need to do. Then when that's done, not long after, I end up starting another list or plan, when I haven't even completed the old one. At a certain point, I have to ask myself if I'm procrastinating.
Take a leap
A friend even said to me once: "you've been saying you're gonna make YouTube videos for ages." She was right, I had and I'd been playing them for ages, it was at that point that I realised I just needed to take a leap and actually just do it. Planning can only get you so far and you learn best through experience.
Nothing ever goes to plan
I have planned things to the absolute, even if that's just a day out or a social activity. At a certain point, I just gave up... because no matter how hard you plan something, it never works out exactly. Also, things that you imagine in your head don't always work out that way practically. People don't like it when you have an absolute structured plan and you're constantly forcing them to stick to it... it only ends up with you anxious and the other person kinda miserable.
Nothing will ever be perfect
Life isn't about creating something perfect, it's about constantly finding new ways to improve on the pervious thing you've done. Everyone starts from somewhere, it's a process. Also, the problem with perfect is that it doesn't exist because most things (I'd argue everything) is somewhat subjective.
Being spontaneous
It's funny because I'm one big contradiction of a person. I absolutely love planning and schedules etc but I also love being spontaneous and take a lot of pride in having that quality. Sometimes, the best things happen when you just do them on a whim. You just have to listen to your instincts.
Why are you procrastinating?
If you're taking part in any kind of procrastination, you have to ask yourself why you're doing it. Is it because you're scared? Is it because you don't want to actually do the task because you don't enjoy it? Instead of just doing ahead and doing the task anyway, I think it's better to find a way to make the task more enjoyable or easier.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying planning isn't important. I'm just saying that there needs to be a healthy balance.
