The danger of being overly optimistic
Too much optimism can lead to procrastination. Unbridled optimism may cause people to sit and wait for good things to happen, thereby decreasing chances of success. This quotation by Michael Scheier and Charles Carver was shared in the book, The Procrastination Equation, by Piers Steel.
The book has several memorable and humourous quotations and and vignettes.
Here are my most memorable take-aways:
– Emmett’s Law (Ritat Emmett) The dread of doing a task uses up more time and energy that doing the task itself.
– A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright
– Belief in oneself separates the successful person from the procrastinators. Without such confidence, the couch beckons, the television distracts, and dreams of the future become what could have been.
– Your most productive time is the four hour block, three hours after you get out of bed.
– People remember two things about a task (a project). a. The best moment b. The end moment.
– Every step forward, is enabled by the step just taken.
– Habits are first cobwebs, then cables (Chinese Proverb)
The book made a big impact me. After reading it, I scheduled and then dealt with a long standing motor car problem, and had two important medical check-ups I had been putting off for years.
There was a particular message in the book, that resonated with me. In effect, the message was: that all people on their deathbed ask for more time. Yet when alive, people procrastinate to forgive others, to look after their health, to say I love you, to make a decision about their career, their finances and other important matters.
You Call to Action/How to apply for this post: In the next seven days, consider one important matter have you been putting off. Schedule and write down, to deal with that matter by a specific date. Find an accountability partner and tell them about your commitment. (To keep you honest promise them a monetary, or other gift if you fail to deal with the matter by the deadline date).
When you do deal with the matter, schedule and complete a reward for yourself.
