Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Welcome to the first weekend in May. For students (and parents) there are only about three weeks left in this school year. Take the time to enjoy all the end-of-year concerts and final field trips. I can honestly say that I have really missed being at school these last four months. I hope my former colleagues and students finish the year strong.
Happy Birthday to all of you who turned a year older this past week. And Happy Anniversary to you and your loved one for reaching another milestone year together.
Quote of the Week: “Much of the stress that people feel doesn’t come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they started.” David Allen
Joke of the Week: I came across this but don’t know where it originated.
I’m not a procrastinator–I just prefer doing all my work in a deadline-induced panic.
Classical Music Pick of the Week: I found another piece of classical music that was never finished by the original composer. But in this instance, the composer died before he could complete it. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a master composer, able to master instruments by the age of three and create his own pieces of music by age five.
In 1791, Mozart began the composition of Requiem in D Minor. According to the internet, Mozart wrote letters to his wife, Constanze, that he was being poisoned. Mozart died on December 5, 1791, from a cerebral hemorrhage and bronchopneumonia. His Requiem in D Minor was finished in 1792 by Franz Xavier Suessmayr.
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: Last week, we began a conversation about procrastination, mainly defining what procrastination is. This week, I want to give you a few strategies for moving past procrastination into productivity.
First, we must uncover the reasons behind waiting until the last minute to do things. I sometimes relate all too well to the joke above, especially when it comes to writing novels. It seems that I do my best work when my life is in total chaos. Now that I have more time to devote to writing my new book or finishing my devotional, I have stalled.
One reason for procrastination is that the task you need to complete feels too big, and you are overwhelmed. The best thing to do for this is to break down the task into manageable pieces and do them one task at a time.
Another reason may be too many distractions. I can honestly say that as I have worked on this blog, I have scrolled all over the place on my phone–from Facebook, my emails, and Safari to find the bits I needed to make this post interesting. Well, Facebook and my emails didn’t really help, but once you go down that rabbit hole…. Set aside a time and place with no interference to get work done. Sometimes by making a schedule to delete emails, balancing the checkbook after paying the bills, and keeping your calendar updated can relieve a bit of the overwhelming feeling that comes with having lots to do.
I think the biggest reason for procrastination is that the task is unpleasant, so putting it off keeps us comfortable a little bit longer. For this one, make a bargain with yourself to get a reward of some kind when the task is completed. Anything from a special treat of your favorite dessert to an item you don’t “have” to have but want is a great way to motivate yourself to finish the task. You could also use this strategy by making a To-Do list and putting the most unpleasant one at the top. It is immensely satisfying to cross off an unpleasant task once it’s done.
No matter the reason for procrastination, you can do this. I believe in you!
Food of the Week: In true procrastination fashion, I waited too long to find something yummy to post. However, I would like to introduce you to a delicious snack cake my husband brought home this week–Nutty Butter Crème Pies. Imagine almost a moon pie softness mixed with the peanut buttery taste of the Nutty Buddies. And as always, I like mine cold.
Shout-Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to all the Star Wars fans out there. Since 1977, we have been geeking out over the fight between the Galactic Empire and the Rebellion. Anakin, Luke, Leia, and all the other characters we love as if they are real people. So, I say go watch Episode III at a theater near you. And “May the Fourth be with you.”
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and you ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.