How is procrastination defined?�

Is it merely just about being lazy, or is it a bit more complex than that?

These are some of the thoughts that run through my head on a regular basis.

I am defined as a procrastinator by my own standards.  But, on the other hand, I seem to be very organized. My husband has been very confused about this for quite some time.  Apparently, this way of being is frowned upon.  You can either be the one or the other, not both.

My problem is myself.  I sometimes feel to be my own worst enemy.  In certain areas I ace perfectionismand perform like a machine.  On the other hand, I feel like a teenager in a matric exam.  I can come up with a zillion excuse as to why I am not able to complete a specific task at a specific time.�

For a while, I have realised my ability to be the odd one out, or the disorganised duckling.  I just preferred to keep quiet about it.  Let’s be honest, it is really not a trademark you wish to flaunt around.

Working as a freelancer is one of the best and one of the hardest challenges I have come across after entering the industry during 2019.  There is no safety net of a set salary at the end of each month.  And, if you get sick, you lose your pay check for the day.  Needless to say, you tend to work twenty times harder than when you had a stable income.

The flexibility and freedom of this way of working is wonderful.  I am able to enjoy more time with my daughter and partake more often in her extra-curricular activities.  But the responsibility of such a lifestyle is also ten-fold. (Okay, I know I sound like Spiderman, but the moral of the story is the same).

Freelancing has tested my organisation and scheduling skills to the max.  At times I feel overwhelmed and as if everything is getting a bit too much.  If you work freelance, family and friends tend to think you have an open schedule.  You can ‘tools down’ at a moment’s notice and run errands as and when tasked to.�

I have learnt to cope though.  Every weekend I sit with my husband and we arrange our family-, school- and my work schedule for the week.  This has worked wonders.  I also put the schedule up for all to see.  Now, no one can be of the opinion that I idle away my time at home.�

Make no mistake; it is still a daily struggle.  At times I do still feel as if my body and my mind are at a disconnect with each other.  My mind wants to work but my body is dragging along.�

If you are fighting this same monster, do keep heart.  Some of our learned colleagues have put in great effort to try and guide us on how to deal with this issue.

Don’t be overwhelmed.  Survive one day at a time, and, before you know it, running your freelance business will become the norm.