We all have chores and duties we hate doing. In my case, I constantly procrastinate cleaning out the litter box. I absolutely loathe it. It’s the worst household chore EVER.
I’ll walk past the box, see that it needs to be cleaned and then debate with myself whether or not to do it right then.
My usual response is “Meh. I’ll do it later.”
That statement, although somewhat harmless, has gotten me into so much trouble. I decide to put off a task until tomorrow. The problem is, once tomorrow comes I have to face that unfinished task again. And sometimes that unfinished task comes with consequences.
When it comes to my cats, my consequence for not cleaning out the litter box daily is a “present” they leave for me on the floor. Thanks to my procrastination, I now have a dirty litter box AND cat poop on the floor.
Gross.
Lately I’ve been trying a new technique. I’m trying to do things NOW instead of pushing them off.
It’s similar to the OHIO method {Only Handle It Once} I’ll just casually call it the “Do-it-now-and-you’ll-thank-yourself-later” method.
If the dishes need to be put away and I put it off until tomorrow, I’ll have to deal with it again. If I do it now, I’ve only “handled it” once. In effect, I’m saving myself time and worry by not procrastinating!
When I pass by the cat litter box and notice it needs to be cleaned out, I’m trying to force myself to clean it out right then. Then the next time I pass by, I smile knowing that the dirty task is already done!
Does this mean I never procrastinate on anything? No–but I’m procrastinating on a lot less than what I used to! More things are getting done, my cats are happier and my floors are cleaner.
It’s a win-win for everyone!
So in order to help you start a good habit, I’m giving away some free printables to inspire you to action!
8×10 Meh. I’ll Do It Later Printable
I’d like to know–what’s one thing you always put off?
Shared at: Saturday Sharefest, The Makers, Whimsy Wednesday, Creative Spark, Work It Wednesday, Think and Make Thursday, Thrifty Thursday, and Your Turn To Shine.
I do it now. Know what happens? I suddenly have time to watch tv! 🙂
I definitely procrastinate on washing dishes after dinner. I just want to sit and take a break at the end of the day, but in the morning they are always harder to get clean!
Keri–I’ve had the EXACT same scenario play out in my house almost every night. I just need to kick my butt into gear and clean a little at night then I won’t have the mess to deal with the next morning (hence the printable!) Good to know I’m not the only one who loathes washing dishes!
A good reminder to me to stop procrastinating the things I don’t want to do! Must go get some laundry put away. . . 🙂
Maple Sugar from http://www.sisterswives.com popping over from Work it Wednesday
Ah yes. I have some laundry to put away too! We’ll just get it done and enjoy the rest of our day, alright?
Oh boy! I feel like I put off everything. I have a new baby, so when I get a few moments I think “i just need to relax for a minute” knowing FULL well that its probably the only free time I will get to do something productive. Then I am kicking myself when I am doing laundry and dishes at midnight. Then I “need to relax” again the next day. It’s a vicious cycle 😉
I think things are totally different when you’re a new mom. Most cleaning and organizing gets thrown out the door. A new mom’s main job is keeping this new bundle of joy alive (and happy if possible). That’s it. Anything more than that becomes overwhelming quickly (I know because I’ve been there!) So enjoy the little time to have to relax and get to the chores when you can 🙂
I swear I’m the Queen of procrastination! But really I’m trying to change, it’s one of my goals. I’ll start tomorrow…kidding!
Ha ha! I’m famous for saying I’ll do it tomorrow. Slowly but surely I’m getting better!
Love this (: I’ve been trying to up my productive game lately! Visiting from http://www.andieconn.com/get-rid-clutter-spring-fever-inspiration/ and would love a visit back (:
We’ll be upping our game together, Andie! So happy to hear this was inspiring for you!
I’ve been known to procrastinate. In fact, I’m doing it right now. 🙂 It’s funny how we can procrastinate doing even the things we love to do. However… I’m so much better than I used to be. So… I guess we need to celebrate the little victories, too.
Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend Carrie!!
Celebrating the little victories helps give me motivation to keep going so I say we should both celebrate what we’re getting done!
Cleaning the bedrooms is the chore I put off the most, mainly because I have to. I don’t get time to clean until either I get up before everyone else (and both of our rooms still have sleeping babies, kids or husbands) or until after everyone is in bed (baby shares our room and both her and the big sis are sleeping, again). I have to clean them on the weekends, but the baby won’t sleep or I’m too tired, or “insert excuse here”. The laundry I’m getting better with but the dishes are a pain. Which is why I’m trying to get some general clean up done at night, and some heavy duty room cleaning done in the morning (between 5:30-6:30 AM, before everyone gets up, or hopefully the baby doesn’t decide to get up early). Cleaning is just one of those things we have to stay on top of, or else it takes over and becomes more of a pain to deal with later.
I so understand your struggle because I was (and still am) in it myself! Time in the evening after the kids go to bed is a great time for me to get some cleaning done–I just have to kick myself into gear to do it! Things do get a little easier as the kids grow up so keep at it Nikki!
This is a great little mindset. I hate folding laundry, but now I think I’ll get on it the first time and stop dealing with it later.
Ah yes. Laundry is another chore that I despise. But if you and I can both get on it right away we’ll conquer it!
I’m not usually a procrastinator, but there are some things I hate to do that I put off as long as I can. Lately, it’s been washing the slipcovers on my sofa. I don’t even know why since it’s an easy task. I guess I know they only stay white so long before my two little fur babies get their paws all over them. It is always best to just get it over with! Thanks for sharing the free printable. I’m printing for my husband. HE is a procrastinator. 🙂
I’m so glad you’ll be making good use of the printable! I can see why washing the slipcovers is on your procrastination list–they’d be on mine too! But now you and your hubby have the motivation to just get it done!
I’m a horrible procrastinator! I need to pick up this great habit, I think it’ll make things run smoother & I’ll have clean work clothes, hah.
Procrastination is a hard habit to break but making small changes at a time really makes a difference. I hope this inspires you to make little changes Leslie!
Getting out of bed early to spend time with the Lord
Also putting craft stuff out to decide how it show go
and leaving out too long…stuff piles up on top of it!
I’m right there with you Michelle!