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Stop Procrastinating

By September 24, 2010One Comment


In mid July, I said, “If not now, when?” I felt determined to stop procrastinating and start work on a few major projects. My first task was to lose weight, because my obesity had led to painful knees and feet, and I was diagnosed with arthritis in my knees and back. The orthopedic doctor suggested I take massive doses of painkillers, which I didn’t want to do. His only other advice was to lose weight. My heart fell, because I love food. To eat, I never have to be hungry; I merely have to find my mouth.

I started a plan similar to one used by diabetics, although I’m not diabetic. It calls for more vegetables, fewer starches, fewer sweets, and small amounts of protein. Living alone, though, it was going to be easy to slip up or cheat, so I did what writers do: I wrote. I wrote my intentions, created a blog, and took it public. Many people read the blog and send me e-mails to encourage me. Most folks not only support me but also join me in the food plan, after reading about my success. The response to my “Don’t You Dare Call It a Diet!” blog has been tremendous, and the food plan works. I’ve lost 30 pounds, my knees are pain-free, I feel younger and healthier, and I’m on the path to my goal weight. The easy plan allows me to eat real food, not expensive fad food. I hope you’ll read my blog and even sign up as a follower. See it at http://dontyoudarecallitadiet.blogspot.com/.

Once I stopped procrastinating, I started looking for a publisher for my book of memoirs. I wrote the proposal more than a year ago, but have only sporadically sent out queries. I decided to take any and all steps to get the book published, and by golly, within weeks I had a nibble from a California publisher. We were too far apart in our concept of a decent advance, but bolstered by the knowledge that at least one publisher loved my book, I sent out more queries and proposals. I eagerly await the responses.

I also put a bunch of stuff on CraigsList.org and sold it, things that were collecting dust and taking up space. What a good feeling to see things go to good use and turn into cash in my pocket! In a few weeks I pocketed about $1,300.00 for my used things.

Speaking of used things, I’m shocked to see that used copies of Write In Style, my book on creative writing, are selling for upwards of $90 on Amazon.com, when I still have a few new copies at the original price. After they’re gone, though, you’ll have to pay the inflated used-copy prices on Amazon, so be sure to order your copy today at the original cover price of $12.95. To order go to https://www.zebraeditor.com/book_write_in_style.shtml.

What will you tackle when you stop procrastinating? Will you start a food plan to get healthier? Will you submit your manuscript for publication? Will you clear your clutter and donate it or turn it into cash? Will you order my book before the prices soar sky high? I hope you’ll do all those things and more.

Bobbie Christmas

Editor Bobbie Christmas is your book doctor. She can also be your mentor, ghostwriter, copywriter, and writing and publishing consultant. After spending decades writing and editing for a living, Bobbie became a much-sought-after seminar and workshop leader. She began Zebra Communications in 1992 in Atlanta, Georgia, to provide professional editing services to publishers and to writers like you.

One Comment

  • Duddy. says:

    Procrastination is genuinely a life-interfering behavior! The cost of procrastinating can literally be measured in lost health, years of life, and thousands of lost dollars.

    I've been researching procrastination very carefully, recently. I've discovered that overcoming it is really a simple process of transferring motivation from the things we love to do and do often over to the things we don't like doing and avoid often.

    Sound's to me like your a natural non-procrastinator. You're diet and writing success make this clear.

    Real procrastination actually kills people. Can you imagine if you procrastinated, in the true sense of the word on your diet? Look at the tremendous benefit you've created for yourself and so many others!

    From a behavioral perspective it's all about positively reinforcing manageable
    approximations to the high-procrastination tasks.

    Overcoming procrastination involves the same motivational processes that underlie the evidence-based treatment of clinical depression and autism.

    It's also the basis of effective performance management systems in top teams and organizations.

    Thanks for sharing such a thought provoking article! I'm working on my own writer's procrastination, and that kind really fascinates me.

    Thanks for demonstrating, implicitly and intuitively the true value and potential of overcoming procrastination!

    Gratefully,
    -Duddy.

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