Procrastination: The number one resolution....why do we do it?

In an aqua light    24x36   mixed media & collage on panel 

Show deadline: Today.  And I'm still labeling, wiring, documenting ...and goofing around online.  WHY do I do this to myself?  The funny thing is, I know I'm not alone.  I asked a lot of people about their resolutions for the New Year and the most popular: To not procrastinate.  It was (is) on my list as well.  Yet here it is, January 3rd, and I'm still sweating out a deadline.  I was already behind because I was a major procrastinator last year.  So the way I figure it:  if it is a looming deadline that crosses the December/January timeline it doesn't count as this year's problem.  Right?  ... Right?  

Procrastinating is my version of a roller coaster ride.  The rush of adrenaline when pushing things to the last minute - it's absolutely exhilarating.  My palms sweat.  My heart is pumping.  I'm sleepless with the nervousness of the sheer number of items on the to-do list.  And it feels terrible!  And it feels wonderful -- wonderful when the deadline is actually met....the relief!

I have been successful (so far) in meeting deadlines where work was to be physically delivered.  I feel obligated to meet a deadline once the commitment is already made- no matter how I blast thru the door  as the last guns are fired. I've not, however,  been that successful with juried shows or gallery submission deadlines when just images are required- when I haven't fully commited to making the deadline.  I missed so many potential opportunities last year - because I just couldn't get my stuff together on time- so I just skipped it.  Why do I do this sort of procrastination: the kind where the deadline is missed - permanently- and no one is the wiser (except me.)  Is it self sabotage? Is it fear of rejection? Is it laziness? Is it all of the above?  This sort of procrastination feels the worst.  I do it with other things in my life as well.  This is the sort of procrastination that I MUST STOP.  I really must.  

I've purchased the new calendar to keep me on track.  I've penciled in some deadlines.  Now: for the hard part.  Doing it.

Getting the jump on my New Years Resolutions

Flex no.3  

Just call me a slacker.  I have been very lazy about blog posts - - - among other things.  Sometimes it's because it seems pointless...sometimes it's because I have so much going on that I forget about it.  Whatever the reason (aka: excuse) - I will do better in 2011.  Frankly, I'm expecting a lot from 2011.  (2010 really let me down).   Lets face it, it was a crappy year for a lot of people.  It was a bad year for me professionally and personally.  I hope that 2010 will go join 2001 and all the other memorably bad years in the bad year archive, and I hope it's cramped and uncomfortable there.  I hope 2010 takes a long hard look at itself in the mirror and is ashamed of itself.  So -  bring it on 2011!  I can't wait for you to show 2010 what's what.  I am excited for a fresh start. Therefore, I hereby resolve to make my blog writing a priority - and I'm doing it for ME.   (This is, of course, on a fairly long list of resolutions.) But- I will do better.... I WILL do better. 

 There- it's in print. 

Stepping up My Game

Before My Time 30x30 mixed media and collage on canvas

I like to do things in my own time frame. Instead of re-evaluating on January 1 like everyone else. I pick a random time ....like now. I'm doing some serious goal setting and planning now, probably because the economy seems to be trying to get back on track and art is once again starting to sell. (It was a long, DRY, summer!) It's rekindled my confidence and made me get excited again. Even, with the lack of sales, I have kept myself on pace with the art making and have built up a decent inventory. But lately I've come to realize, I need to start thinking once again about the business side of things. And while my art making is for me, it also plays a part in getting my kids through college, and paying for the extras - like travel and fun. One day (hopefully sooner rather than later) I can have the art making be my only job....while still keeping the joy in it. So - I'm working in my journal again. I'm making out wish lists - goal lists - the big plan list - the time line list - etc. I'm going to focus a little harder on my blogging and networking. I'm going to get back on track and find some new representation. I'm going to get off my butt and work it just a little harder. After all: In order to live your dreams - you have to wake them up!!!