I teach motivation as part of my coursework in my Intro to College course, and I sprinkle it into many of my Critical Thinking classes. The other day I faced a pile of dirty dishes. That moment clarified just what each of us faces when it comes to finishing a task.
This short post goes out to all my fellow procrastinators. By the way, I stopped to write this while in the middle of finishing my media and retail sales lists for my publisher, Reedy Press. I was supposed to have them in by the 15th. Enjoy!!
When faced with a particularly heinous pile of dirty dishes, I took the rookie-actor approach and asked myself, “What’s my motivation?” After all, this is a home mess, not a work related occupational hazard. My inner director called up three approaches –
- External motivation – I need to clean this mess up before someone comes over and sees this.
- Internal – I need to get this done so I can work on those other project deadlines.
- Go outside, watch birds, and hope an elf does them while I am away.
I went outside. I watched birds. I chased a two-year-old around. I stepped in dog poop.
Eventually we got hungry. When we came inside to make dinner, those dishes were still there. But I was in a much better headspace to knock them out. Give yourself a pass today on beating yourself up about unfinished tasks. Go look at something pretty or talk to someone that knows you are already pretty awesome.
Filed under art, critical thinking, Family, happiness, things to do in riverside, Uncategorized
Tagged as art, dishescanwait, fun, happiness, love, outdoors
