Get it done

I am probably one of the most hardened procrastinators. Or, at least I used to be. And I had great excuses. The job was too tough, it would take too long, I don’t have the right skills, and so on. My problem was when I was young I believed that stuff. It reminds me of something that my father-in-law used to say about the Cowboys, you should never read your own press.

The problem is you can only sit around and look at all the junk for so long. After staring at everything for longer than one should have, I finally had to try. Usually, I had to attempt something when boxed into a corner with an inspection due or someone coming to visit.

Just a little side note, cleaning is a never-ending game. When you’re young, you clean up every time your parents are going to come by. When you’re older, you clean up every time the kids are going to come by. I guess there’s really no rest from cleanliness.

What I learned was, when push came to shove I could do it, and it never took as long as I thought it would. The same was true of things around the house I could fix or replace. Whether it was a window on the back door, a dryer vent that fell apart, or a car that needed more brake fluid. I even built my own fence for the backyard that still stands today.

The point is not what I can do. The take away is the fact that anyone can do it, all you need is a desire to get it done, a modicum of elbow grease, and an understanding to ask questions when you’re not sure about something. I’m not telling you to do anything that should be done by a professional. Most work on your vehicle probably should be taking care of by professionals during regular servicing. Replacing a lightbulb does not mean you get to rewire your house. And, if you’re not sure, always go talk to the pros. There are many places this day and age where you can get the proper information.

Whether you do it yourself, or you are hiring somebody to do it for you, the point is you’re getting it done. Many things that give you problems do not get better on their own. Unlike someone who has a fever or the flu and then gets better, a running toilet will not stop until you replace the flapper.  It is just one of those laws of the universe. Remember to be careful. Use your safety gear and be safe.

When you are done, you will have a great feeling of accomplishment and feel so much better about how your place looks.

Thank you for being with me today. I hope to be with you again tomorrow.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof