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Dear ,
This newsletter comes a bit earlier, due to Easter, and I would like to share with you some reflections about procrastination.
Usually, procrastination is seen as something negative, something we “have to work on”, we have to change, and we definitely have to avoid.
But is it really that simple? Or isn’t it rather like everything in life – the more we judge something and the more we fight it, the more we get stuck with it?
Around 7 years ago I created the following quote – and I am still behind it:
“Some call it procrastination. I call it wisdom of my creative soul that knows we cannot speed up things that need time to mature.”
So why are we so much at war with our procrastination? Reflecting on it, two major thoughts came up.
First: I feel that in our modern society we are programmed for achievement. We have to perform in every area of our life. Or even if we don’t have to, we think we have to. In our workplaces, businesses, society as a whole, and even in the private space of our friends and family.
Second: We are programmed for “fast speed”. We have forgotten how to wait. We are so used to get everything at any time, sometimes even ahead of time (just look at traditional customs for Easter or Christmas). Mostly it feels that there is hardly any time for a break between the one and the other.
I remember, when I was a child, there was always time for an afternoon break with hot chocolate or milk. Not only on Sundays. There was work and there were breaks – and these breaks were meant to slow down and sit and make time. Today our breaks often are just a short time in between to catch a breath whilst already thinking of the next task to do.
I do not remember anyone talking about procrastination then. Today many of my clients complain that they are procrastinating. And you can find a flood of articles giving advice how to “overcome” procrastination and finally get into action again.
Procrastination feels like something we have to “get rid of” – just as we want to get rid of any other symptom our body, mind and soul show up with.
What would change, if we just saw it as a time necessary for our soul to catch up? As a time that is still needed for us to discover, understand, experience? A time that brings us closer to who we are. A chance to get to know ourselves better?
When I think about my life, I admit that I have procrastinated in different times and areas – but looking back, it all makes sense.
Not judging myself for procrastinating, but embracing it, tuning in, and honoring the time my soul and I might have needed before taking action, has supported me on my path of growth, compassion, love and reconciliation.
What if instead of judging yourself for procrastinating, you just acknowledged it, asking your soul what you can do for it? What if instead of pushing yourself, you just tried to understand what still needs to mature?
For the month of April I am wishing you compassion with yourself and others when things don’t go as fast as you wish for. May you listen to your soul and its wisdom.
HAPPY EASTER 🐣
In the spirit of love and reconciliation
Ursula |
