My hands were poised over the keyboard, about to begin writing this item, when I decided I hadn't eaten enough lunch.
I grabbed an apple, and since sticky fingers don't mix well with the keys, I sat back to enjoy the fruit.
After washing my hands I returned to my seat at the computer.
As I was about to strike the first letter, I realised a chill hung in the air.
The fires, having burned a little too low, required feeding.
With that job out of the way, I desired a quicker warm up for my hands, so I hastened to the kitchen where I boiled the jug, made a hot drink, and returned once more to my seat.
Now ready to tackle the article I wanted to write, I sat with fingers hovering as my typing teacher taught all those years ago.
I stared blankly at the screen wondering where all the ideas I held at the beginning of the process had gone.
Does this scenario sound familiar? Procrastination is something to which we can all fall victim.
Just one more game of Solitaire, or a phone call we have to make right now keeps us hopping from task to task, thus alienating us from the one thing we know we really must do, or want to do.
Even the word requires more time to say than a simple 'goofing off'.
I find, as a full-time writer working from home, that many distractions also arise from outside.
Some people mistakenly believe that because you are home, you are available for whatever cause or occasion they present.
The reality is that there's a myriad of writing related work requiring attention.
Mostly this is not very visible to outsiders and simply requires large amounts of time sequestered away at a computer.
Even the family you live with can become a distraction or a convenient excuse.
All this leads to a drop in productivity and a loss of focus; potentially damaging to a career in writing.
Here are a few tips to stay on target and avoid the temptation to procrastinate.
oSet yourself specific breaks for refreshments and chores.
Stick to a defined time, whether it is ten minutes or half an hour.
oDaily goal sheets or to-do-lists can help you remain focused on what you want to achieve or concentrate on for the day.
oIf necessary, take the phone off the hook and lock your doors to avoid intrusions breaking your flow.
oHave a defined work area.
This enables the family to recognise when you are working and lends a tangible feeling of 'being at work'.
oAllow yourself time off.
As with any job, you need holidays and sick days.
Don't punish yourself for needing to take a day, or even a week, away from writing.
On the other hand, don't let a day off drag into two, or before you know it a month has slid right past without any significant progress.
Make a set plan and then get back to work.
oRemove distractions.
If there is a tendency to play with the ring tones on a cellular phone, then remove it from the desk.
Anything that takes your focus away needs removing from the work area.
oSurround yourself things that are inspirational and useful.
An inspiring poster or quote can help keep you focused on what it is you want to achieve in life, on a project, or just today.
Useful tools such as reference books and writing exercises are good.
If there is a particular 'toy' that helps you think past blocks, then use it i.
e.
stress toys.
If it is just an excuse to play with something, then it will find a better home with the kids.
oIs the internet a distraction? Invaluable for research and communication, it can be just as effective as a trap.
Set yourself aside some time for recreational use.
I typically set aside the time I'm eating breakfast, an hour at lunch time, and then whatever time I want in the evening after the work day ends while still allowing family time.
Procrastination can kill anyone's good intentions and pave the path of progress with rotten boards.
There are so many distractions around, each fighting against us in an already competitive field.
Recognise your danger areas and discard them or set aside specific times to enjoy them.
Write or fritter away opportunities...
it's your choice!