How to Stop Procrastinating and Making it Happen!

Yesterday after many months of ‘thinking about it’ I finally took my hubby for his birthday present which was a sunset dinner cruise on board a hundred year old Dutch Schooner (build one year before the Titanic actually) I stopped procrastinating and putting it off, I SCHEDULED it in, got the baby sitters sorted and attempted to keep it as a surprise (that was the hard bit – he puts everything in his Google Calendar) which is not easy with 2 children under 4! I had finally made it happen and I could not wipe the smile off my face as we got into the small dinghy and headed off to our big old wooden sailing ship!

It wasn’t long before we were on board our ship and being welcomed by first mate Miriam and Captain Pieter, who were wonderful hosts and served lovely snacks and delicious dinner. All you could hear was the breeze and water against the boat..priceless.

Captain Amanda!

It’s not that it was a difficult trip to organise, it was that it had not been a priority. Sometimes things like this are ‘important’ rather than ‘urgent’, as it is important to have that quality time as a couple ‘without the children’. Parents will know what I am talking about!

Once I made the decision to do it, especially after some very kind friends offered to take care of the girls for a few hours, this precipitated my speedy action. I got online and booked two places with a charter company and then organised a ‘story’ as to why my husband would have to meet us at the marina!

Unfortunately despite all my scheduling plans and focus, the charter company did not hold our places so on the day of the big event, we didn’t have an event! I was told we could be on standby but with all the people involved it wasn’t fair to do that as there was no 100% guarantee we’d get on. So I thought, PLAN B and called another company with a bigger boat but less people and sure enough they had spaces for next evening. Hurrah, persistance and action hand in had. So what are YOU procrastinating about in life or business? What may be important but not urgent that needs your attention and could bring about greater rewards?

Sunset Ahoy Shipmates!

Being on board with the wind in our hair and a rum punch in my hand, it was a rare pleasure to see a double rainbow following us (OK so it rained for a few minutes – but nothing could stop my enthusiasm). This was our reward.

Singing in the Rainbow

I understand this is a ‘leisure’ example but what else in your life or business could you be ‘taking action’ in and rewarding yourself, rather than putting it off? As I mentioned earlier, some things need attention, even if they’re not urgent. Like making a staff member feel appreciated or reminding a friend how cool they are! These have long term positive effects, same as ensuring you’re putting a little cash away in a savings account. A little at a time, but eventually it all adds up because you were taking CONSISTENT ACTION. So when are you going to board ‘Your Ship’ and ‘Make it Happen’?!

Sun says Au Revoir..