Abstract
One of the characteristics which differentiate the successful persons from the unsuccessful ones is the power to plan efficiently. But above that, it is the timely execution of the plan which decides the measure of success. While each one of us is brimming over with great plans for future, only a fraction of us actually accomplish it. The dilemma and procrastination keeps most of us idle till the eleventh hour. And no one but we can help ourselves overcome the deferment and lack of hard work. It is difficult unless one resolves to act. This essay illumines the very process of enlightenment and self-rectification which helped me leave behind the dilemmas which kept me idle for a long time. It comprises the incidents which affected my mental settings, the exercises I did and how I continue the process to improve myself. It is completely based on my personal experience and may or may not be technically approved by experts.
Towards determination from dilemma:
A Process analysis
Like most of the youngsters aspiring to be successful, I also dreamt to excel academically. I planned and noted down several routines on paper and pasted them on walls. The daily chores comprised some essential changes like getting up early in the morning, taking care of health, studying for at least three hours daily and practising basketball every day for an hour. But I don’t remember following those routines ever. Many preparations, project and group studies were postponed to watch movies, play games, visit places and writing my diary. Soon, I came to realise that it’s futile to make a plan as it’s too late to change now.
Two months ago, I was browsing through the Internet to look for some inspirational title for an assignment. I came across the following quote:
“A year from now you may wish you had started today.” - By Karen Lamb.
For a minute, my entire plans for the past five years flashed across my mind. I felt guilty and dishonoured for have wasting the time. But, I was sure that the guilt would go away in a few minutes. Who does not face such momentary spasms of inspirational awakening once every fortnight! This quote was like the scores of other which I went through for my assignments and speeches. But it stayed on my mind for longer. I was also being hit by the recent realisation of mine that it was too late to change. For a minute, the words of Karen Lamb appealed jarred me. Could I really start from a scratch? But as usually, the revolutionary thought vanished when my friends came to call me for PlayStation.
The next morning was a usual one. But on the way to my school, I met a neighbour of mine. He, a septuagenarian, was carrying a guitar. I casually asked him about his seemingly new
plans. His answer which comprised hardly three lines struck me hard in the head and heart. “I have not played guitar for last forty-six years due to work, family and a bunch of other excuses. Now that I am freer than before, I want to get it back to my passion. ” A man in his seventies talked to me about pursuing his dream and passion. He did not feel that the time was over. So, why should I? I was resonating with thoughts. “What do I love doing the most? Is it gaming? Or is it basketball?” I wanted to figure out what I really loved to do. I reached school, attended the classes and returned back like a robot. All the time, I was focussing on what I wanted to do in life. If there was really a passion, how could it take so long to figure out?
The next week, I made another list of goals. Whenever, I felt like going astray from what I decided to, I remembered the quote. After three weeks, I did not emerge as a
brilliant student or skilled sportsman. But, the smaller triumphs over bad habits like anger, procrastination and laziness was evident. And surprisingly, in course of improving little habits, I learnt to get up in the morning.In the fifth week, I made a small list of realistic to-do’s. Playing basketball for an hour, studying for an hour, Playstation for half an hour and having breakfast with entire family! Earlier, I used to skip the first meal and run for school popping a cereal bar. Gradually, I noticed a change in my will power. Now, I could keep myself in control and could avoid distractions much more effectively that before. I would not lie that I enjoyed studying but I saw how my passion for sports grew with time.
Whenever I felt back to datum level in terms of energy, hope and determination, I used to reconsider the trifling of victory which I had won in the last one and half months. I remembered all the time I wasted in past and then reminded myself of how I had learnt to be loyal to a routine finally. Unlike past five years, I started to take some time to think about myself- what I loved, what I needed to work on and whom to seek for advice? When you need help earnestly, answers are available. Peace of mind- it was a jargon earlier. But it materialised with time. The active routine helped me be strong physically and mentally. I improved in studies too. I developed a better relationship with my family. Above all, I realised that what my true passion was!
Today, I feel better than yesterday. I agree that I do feel like lapsing back to a lazy and lost life at times but the degenerative thought does not stay for long. I see around and feel the difference between what I regarded myself to be two months ago and how I find myself today. There is not a miraculously vast difference but at least an improvement. I still make a little list of goals every week to enhance my life. Distractions still exist, but I am learning to focus better with every passing day.
References
1. Quotes About Procrastination. http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/procrastination. Retrieved on November 10, 2012
