Wednesday, October 16, 2024
It is very easy to fall out of a pattern, habit or routine when it's dependent on objects outside of you. For instance,
if you need gym equipment to workout. Or, lets say you forgot your favorite pen at home so you can't journal or write. This is where procrastination mutates.
Recently, this was the case for me. I left my "bag" at home.
In this bag is my journal, writing pad and a book I'm currently reading. And a stack of 5x7 notecards where I take
notes of what I read, watch or listen to - for material to use in writing.
And it hit me within 3 minutes of realizing I forgot my bag;
"I guess I can't write today." I conditioned myself and, spoiled myself to think without these objects, I am not myself. In a banal comparison, it's like when someone forgets to put on their earrings or watch. The habit formed of putting them on, makes the day you don't off. Someone may even say they "feel naked." While I do not feel naked without my bag, I certainly have grown accustomed to this accessory being with me everywhere I go.
Instead of falling out of my practice of writing everyday, I borrowed a pen and paper and wrote. Once I was done I folded
the paper and slid it into my pocket. Done. Procrastination can go somewhere else to perform its evil deeds.
Forgot your gym clothes, just go for a walk at lunch.
Forgot your favorite pen, borrow one or write on your phone.
Forgot your healthy meal that you meal-preped on sunday, buy a healthy alternative. A disciplined life means we can make it work, no matter the circumstances. We adjust.