As a recovering procrastinator, I have just come through a dismal time. I had blogged about facilitating diligence – then I did the opposite. I set myself up for problems and I got them. My time, energy, focus dwindled to a trickle. I shot myself in the foot.
To “shoot oneself in the foot” originally meant to deliberately wound oneself in order to avoid military service. Over the years the meaning has changed to causing your own difficulty.
Both meanings apply to me. I willfully choose to do something even though it will harm me because I don’t want to engage in the battle I should engage in. I choose to do something other than what needs doing when it needs doing. Then I suffer for it. I avoid entering the proper battle yet I still limp around hurting and unable to function well.
The last two weeks I have been sluggish mentally and physically. I noticed it in decision making, driving, interacting with others, and in the work I did not get done. Tears came easily. I sat more in front of the TV and computer.
Here’s what I noticed was ALSO TRUE PHYSICALLY during the same sluggish time period:
I stayed up late at night.
I did not wear my oral device for sleep apnea; thus time in bed did not result in adequate rest.
I walked or exercised only twice.
I ate too much “indulging” food and not enough actual fuel for my body.
I ate too much sugar – a definite downer.
I drank too little water.
I sat in front of the TV and computer more. (This goes on both lists; it can be a cause or a symptom.)
I made it easy to be a sluggard. I facilitated slothfulness. My desire and ability to show up for “battle” dissipated.
Finally, recognizing I needed more rest, I went to bed early wearing the oral device that helps me sleep. Amazing! Then the ole brain recognized the other ways I’d set myself up for difficulties and I began to correct. Life is better!
All the time, but now as we head into the holidays, it’s important we maintain energy and make good decisions. We can facilitate those things by caring for ourselves physically – rather than shooting ourselves in the foot.
What physical care do you find essential not to put off so that you function well?
I know right away if I miss my vitamins and quiet time. Both are essential to keeping me on track, otherwise I begin making “not-so-good” decisions throughout my day.
You have learned well, Shari, knowing what’s essential for you. You have prioritized spiritual and physical nourishment. And you make better decisions as a result! I’m paying attention to your words.
Thanks for sharing this! Last week we had a home improvement project going on with workers in and out each day. We also had 2 evening activities that meant we got to bed quite late and then we packed a busy day into Saturday. I was tired during the church service yesterday and was not as prepared to worship and listen. Your post is a good reminder of what happens when we have so much going on that we neglect the things that keep our bodies rested and healthy. I am going to more prayerfully plan ahead so that we don’t greet the New Year exhausted and overwhelmed.
I hadn’t thought of that, Mary – pacing ourselves during the holidays so we can start the new year ready not pooped out. Good thinking! I should follow your example.
Dear Beth,
Like you, I limped around this past week from shooting myself in the foot. Why? Because I get away with it; there is nobody who will complain about my doing a better job. I keep things basically on the neat side at home and my husband is easy-going.
However, underneath everything is not quite so neat: there is a pile of stuff that should have been sorted out and its destiny determined. So, this pile looks “neat” and OK but….. it is 1 foot high and growing! Another “foot” to shoot? Yes, for sure; everything in it needs to be sorted, addressed and either filed, reconciled, paid or discarded.
Maybe you can relate to such a situation. Thank you, Beth; your writing this morning has brought the pile to my attention, again. I shall no longer procrastinate, go through it all and get it finished this week!
In Proverbs 24:6a I just read: “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war.” You are a great counselor, who reminds me to address my weakness(es) and who quietly speaks to my heart.
–Hedy
–November 9, 2015
Ooh, right, Hedy. We do appear to get away with much of our procrastination. Problem is, the pressure is lurking just around the corner, ready to pounce. That’s great – “Another foot to shoot”! Let us know how tackling the pile goes. A professional cleaner outer told us that its better to make one large pile than it is to have numerous ones. That way only one shouts for attention. I also find it helpful to have only one pile to root through in case I have to search for something. So, good for you again! Thank you for your encouraging words and example.