I’m not whining. Really I’m not. Well, sorta, kind’ve. Maybe just a little. You see I get these ideas–neat, tidy, messy, disruptive, genius, life-changing, soul-shaking, ideas. And I somehow assume that’s the hard part–the figuring stuff out part. The mind at work process. The finger in the light socket wake-up call.
In reality, that’s just the half of it. The hard part is turning all the cogs and gears and moving all those brilliant plans into motion without my head exploding, because in the process of creation I’ve somehow forgotten to squirt some oil on the mechanism to keep it rolling smoothly.
Procrastinator vs. Overachiever
I very rarely procrastinate, although I sometimes like to take a few days weeks to think about a task or problem at hand. Better to weigh and consider than it is to leap and regret. For example, why rush the the doctor the minute you notice the arrival of that strange spot festering volcano on the tip of your nose, when it might very well disappear in 6 months? Who want’s to be labeled a hypochondriac, for Pete’s sake. Far better to wait a while and see if anything falls off.
Ah, but overachiever! Not a title I necessarily rush to print on the front page, but okay, between you and me, I think that might be something of an issue for me. Not because I am a TRUE overachiever, but rather, an A-Z organized, Pulitzer winning, Martha Stewart, chairman-of- the-board, Wonder Woman … wannabe. Yes, I absolutely have all of my ducks standing nearly in a row– but as it is in real life, where I’ve NEVER EVER seen actual living ducks standing in a row–my ducks are more or less aligned in my head under the column labeled: MY PERFECT WORLD.
Perfect vs. Reality
It’s true I aspire to greatness, but my definition of such doesn’t necessarily fall into the category of Cesar or Ming the Merciless. I figure if I can just get the day-to-day requirements sorted out and orderly, there will then be time to take it up to the next level where I conquer and build empires.
What’s more, I continue to hold to the hope that while plodding along the road to victory I might actually find myself becoming far more accomplished and in control–aka, a lot less crazy. All I really need, as assures the quavering remnants of my logical self, is to master some simple basics.
And so, as it is with all great intentions and resolutions (hey people, they’re not just for New Years!) I will begin with a mighty list:
1. Return phone calls (Mom, even when it’s not her birthday. Also, the receptionist at the dentist’s office who is persistently calling to reschedule my 6 month cleaning, since the Dr has apparently decided to go on a cruise that week. Alas, the time has come to face the truth and cease the standoff, since only a crazed buffoon would seriously hold to the determination that by refusing to acknowledge a scheduling change, they might successfully force their health care professionals into sheepishly folding and rescheduling personal plans .)
2. Send Birthday cards on time and correctly addressed to the intended recipient. (Ex: The birthday card I recently sent to my nephew with his first name and MY last name printed on the envelope. Thank God I at least had his address correct so it did arrive. Humiliation and embarrassment of Auntie Barbara:Priceless.)
3. Morning workout accomplished without mental promises of cookies for lunch if I just do ten more push-ups and forty sumo squats.
4. Daily writing goals pursued and accomplished without being sidetracked by laundry (which will patiently wait) and cat naps because I’M NOT ACTUALLY A CAT.
5. Bills & monthly expenses paid before looming due dates have me writing checks in the middle of the night (and because I voluntarily assumed this task after telling berating hubby that he’s too much of a PROCRASTINATOR.)
6. Saying NO (nicely if possible) when I don’t have time or inclination to fulfill a request. (Beware the “Disease to Please.” It’s life stiffling!)
7. Stop making lists when I really should be doing all of those things I’m currently listing. (Although my son did just offer me one of the M&M’s he’s eating for breakfast and I did staunchly decline, so # 3 is nearly accomplished. Yeah Me :-D)
So, how about opening the valve and releasing some of that pressure from your own overtaxed-on-the-cusp-of-exploding-brain–what’s on your list?
Barbara Forte Abate 