In the Nation of Procrasta

Book Suggestion.

I spend 1/2 of my daily energy trying to stay on task. For example, on my way to the laundry room, I am often distracted by the dog toys littering my path. As fast as I put them back into the basket, my pups are tearing them out turning it into a playful game of tug-o-war (because that's more fun) until... the arm of the toy tears off blasting fuzz and small beads all over the carpet (one of my kid's toys, too. yikes)

Out comes the vacuum which is no easy feat since it is jammed into the hall closet, stuffed between the winter coats and covered with bags of clothes that have needed to go charity for months. Watch out, those bags can change the direction of productivity as well.  Today, I shove them back into the closet.
 When I turn the vacuum on, a cloud of dust billows out because it is too full from the last vacuum event....ok, the last three vacuum runs.
Honestly, who likes to empty that cup. You have to vacuum after you empty it because half of it falls on the floor as you try to get it into the bag. Don't forget what happens when you forget its in the trash and you moosh it down. Poof! See photo to the left.

 As I am emptying the canister gasping for a breath of dust-free air, the phone rings. Thank God! (Because that's more fun) The vacuum becomes a new, no, renewed, family room centerpiece. At least for the day.  After my phone call, I cannot remember what I started out doing and nothing looks any different than when I started my attempt at productivity. Hmph.  (Oh, except there's a vacuum in the family room.)

The other 1/2 of my day is spent teaching my children to stay on task. Unfortunately, they are learning from the best of procrastinators, the best example of the ADD in action  and the best of "Quadrant 4" lovers (see 7 Habits of Highly Effective People). I often get distracted trying to keep them going in the right direction. I don't think I'm very "highly effective".

Truly, kids are natural procrastinators, dilly dalliers and slow pokes. Its a parent's job to teach them how to manage their time and set priorities. It may kill us in the meantime, but it is up to us to give them those living skills. Books are a great source for parents to teach all kinds of skills and lessons.

The King of Dilly Dally is a great book about a King who lives in the nation of Procrasta. Otherwise, known as Procrasta Nation (clever, aint it?).  He loves to have fun and has no time for work but he also has responsibility for his kingdom. His mother helps him learn how to find balance between work and play before he takes over the thrown as King. It is a great book filled with imagination and lessons about being productive, responsible and also embracing creativity and individuality. It is written poetically and is a clever and fun read.
http://www.michaeldscottbooks.com/