Today’s Mandala
Proceed
“It is our duty
— Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
as [human beings]
to proceed as though
the limits of our abilities
do not exist.”
“The difficulties you meet
— John Rohn
will resolve themselves
as you advance.
Proceed,
and light will dawn,
and shine
with increasing clearness on your path.”
“In art and dream
— Patti Smith
may you proceed with abandon.
In life
may you proceed
with balance and stealth.”
Today’s MotD inspires us to proceed with whatever it is we keep putting off doing…because people are waiting for what we have to offer. If we’re putting things off (procrastinating) because we’re waiting for the “perfect time”, or for “everything to be in place”, or for “when pigs fly” then we’re mainly dealing with some form of fear.
From Dominic Voge at Princeton University about Procrastination: “For the most part, our reasons for delaying and avoiding are rooted in fear and anxiety-about doing poorly, of doing too well, of losing control, of looking stupid, of having one’s sense of self or self-concept challenged. We avoid doing work to avoid our abilities being judged. And, if we happened to succeed, we feel that much “smarter.””
Our challenge becomes realizing that we’re procrastinating…awareness is key. (for me personally, if I’m cleaning my bathroom, more than likely I’m procrastinating). Also from Dominic Voge, he offers in some detail, ideas on how to overcome procrastination.
As for the fears related to procrastination, we can take Dominic’s fear list and convert them to positive affirmations, such as (and feel free to modify):
- I’m okay with however this project turns out because I know I am doing my best.
- I can handle whatever feedback comes my way with ease and grace.
- People will judge me regardless of what I do, so I’m going to proceed with this project anyway.
- I’m okay with making mistakes because I know I can do what needs to be done to correct them.
- I can handle being successful and the responsibilities that come with it.
“Practice yourself,
— Epictetus
for heaven’s sake in little things,
and then proceed to greater.”
Blessings,
Maureen
The Mandala Lady
btw…started with this:
Mandala of the Day 