Chronic procrastinator from Barberton, Mpumalanga writes…

Liewe Lulu…

How do you stop procrastinating?

As the calendar closes in on the spring planting season, I am behind on my planning.

Don’t get me wrong, under pressure I am a beast. And when a crop needs to get in the ground I will absolutely follow through. Please give me real, concrete methods.

My Dearest Chronic…

Daddy always tells me that, “Idle hands are the devil’s tools…”

This statement is always met with an angsty eyeroll because everyone procrastinates! Duh…

You are tricky though, baby, because farmers aren’t usually the procrastinating bunch.

I get what you are feeling though! You have SOOO much to do, and you always tell yourself you’ll get started on it as soon as you can. Five hours of sheer shenanigans later and you still haven’t started.

Sigh… But don’t lose hope just yet, my baby, because I have a solid guide for tricking your ass into productivity!

Procrastination is a deeply ingrained habit you aren’t going to break overnight.

1. Forgive and commit! Forgive yourself for not knowing better and move on. Focus on doing and not avoiding
2. “Start-to-start” For one task to start the other must be underway. You need to “start to start,” a quick example, you should be sowing and watering your seeds while also prepping the soil for the next batch. No dodging, buckle down and get sh*t done.
3. Schedules are paramount! You are going to have to limit your screen time. Times for Facebook Watch, Tikkey Tokkeys, and Reels should be allocated.
4. You need a little helper! I think we all deserve a soft life, and what’s softer than an assistant? Get someone who will send you those irksome emails and interrupt you with reminders of the things you are neglecting!

Stop waiting and delaying, deadlines are only your friend until they eventually bite you on the ass.

Take responsibility and get on with it!