If you were to look up the word procrastination, you would find something along these lines of, Procrastination is delaying a necessary task, despite knowing there could negative consequences. Or, choosing to do something less important or more enjoyable because what is being asked of them, is a challenge (and less fun!). The decision to choose the less challenging task allows them to escape negative emotions associated with a task. Stated simply, procrastination is a (learned?) behavior that demonstrates laziness, poor time management and flies in the face life altering consequences (like losing a job).
I confess, I reached into my journaling and found this piece of writing I had written back in January 2017. I remember the night I describe like it was yesterday. Even now, my eyes are filling… my mind wondering … how many students “got me”? How many did I miss? And then I think, what about today, the people that are in my life now … I have these thoughts as the end of 2025 draws near.
I have blogged about ‘negative mental scripting’ before. I referred to “ANTS”, “Automatic Negative Thinking”, a theory that was developed some time ago. While attending a workshop recently my mind took me on a detour (I got mentally distracted) and this is what I came up with:
We are all time travelers moving in one direction—it this true? What if the past isn't as fixed as we think? Can we reframe or reinterpret situations and experiences that were painful and then, rise above them? What about the present, the now? What are you doing with your life? Your dreaming? Your problem solving and, do you take present time, to celebrate, even the small victories?
I am often asked, “What is your take on today’s culture and, what role is the Church to play in our culture ?” I want to begin to answer this question, using this past fall’s academic freshman entering universities as a starting place. (I undoubtedly will do this “Since You Asked” many more times on this website blog).
We live in an increasingly ‘reactive’ culture. Rather than stepping back, taking a breath, considering consequences or looking at the bigger picture people often say the first thing that crosses their mental radar screen. The adage, ‘Better to keep silent and be thought a fool than open the mouth and remove all doubt’ fits here. It has often been said of me, “The difference between Bill and most people is that Bill will tell you what he thinks.” Let me tell you, there is an upside and a downside to this. Over time, I have become better at waiting and giving a ‘measured response’ rather than unpack the whole wagon when only one cow shows up to be fed.