Written by: Lori Clark, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
What kind of pro are you? Are you proactive or a procrastinator? Can I tell you a secret? I have a history of both. I used to trick myself into thinking doing something last minute would allow me “focus more” on getting my tasks done when it was time. Later I realized that system was doing me more harm than good. I would always wait to the last minute or push something aside, not realizing how much pressure I was ultimately putting on myself. Now imagine working full time, having tasks to do, and getting it all done with some leisure time to spare. That’s how things changed for me once I became proactive.
Let's look a little deeper though. Being proactive doesn’t mean you only stay on top of time-sensitive things. Being proactive means getting all those “little tasks” done. For example, do you make your bed every day? Do you have time to sit down and enjoy a good cup of coffee without pushing something else aside? Do you go ahead and wash those few dishes before you end up with a whole sink full? And last but not least, do you fold the clothes soon as they come out the laundry or do you wait until you have no choice? Let me put something into perspective for you. Aside from life coaching, I work a full-time job 2 pm-11 pm. For a lot of people that is all day and most of the night. Many times I get asked how do I even get anything done. Well, the answer is simple. I stay proactive. So much to the point before I leave home my bed is made, everything is neat, and anything that has to be done for that day is done. When I get off, I have nothing left to do but relax. Some people may say well do you “have” to get stuff done EVERY DAY like that? The answer is no because overwhelm is real. But it is wise to stay on top of day-to-day tasks and things that will help you stay ahead. And some things literally can be moved to new days. For example, let's say I planned to pay my bills Monday. If something comes up and they’re not due until the following Monday, I have time to pay without worrying about being late.
So with that being said are you a procrastinator? What can you do to help yourself not wait to the last minute? Before you think about it though, DO NOT say “oh I’m just lazy.” Procrastination is a whole learned behavior. Figure out what thing you can do to stay ahead of your days. For some people, it could be as simple as getting up soon as the alarm goes off the first time. For others, it could be as difficult as making sure everyone in the house has one chore they do everyday before bed.
I hope this article adds value to how you spend your time and how you manage your days. Once you figure out what works, what can be rearranged, what your priorities are each day, and how you can make your days easier and less overwhelming; you’ll see why it’s better to be proactive instead of a procrastinator. If you start now, you can have a good leg up on things by march. By June or July, you’ll have your own system figured out. By the end of the year, you’ll be unstoppable and reaching new levels in your life. – Lori G. Clark
Lori Clark, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lori Clark is a leader in the life coaching industry, dedicated to helping individuals overcome life's challenges. She also aims to help people reach their highest potential while eliminating mental barriers. Lori had a rough childhood that led to an adulthood of trying to fill different voids. She eventually made up her mind; she would live a life worth living and changed her world. During this time, her health failed, and she was diagnosed with a chronic illness. Doctors told her she would never be the same. Instead of playing small, Lori took her circumstances and excelled. She finished college, went back to work, and is now certified to help others.
