Are you a planner or a procrastinator?

This year was going to be different. We made the decision last year when we were caught up in the overwhelm of the holidays to never let that happen again. Does this scenario sounds all too familiar to you, too? It seems that there are so many extra tasks to do during this time. We were determined to be ready, as maybe you were also – but what happened?

Oh, no, could it be procrastination?

We don’t normally procrastinate and you probably don’t either. We know that the holidays come at the same time every year but sometimes they seem to sneak up on us. It’s not like income taxes being due and you could get an extension if needed. You can’t move the holidays because it’s not just you celebrating – it’s the whole community having parties, concerts and many festive activities.

Or maybe you are a planner who gets things done early and are so happy to usher in the holidays with confidence that you are ready to have a wonderful time. You prepared and have all the presents bought and wrapped ahead of time. We’re happy for you!

Research shows, however, that over half the population is not prepared for the holidays and they’re frantically doing last-minute shopping. So, we decided to look at what contributes to procrastination. Alexander Rozental, a procrastination researcher, believes that typically there are four triggers that contribute to people procrastinating:

1. People don’t see enough value in the task.
2. They expect that they won’t be able to achieve what they want to do.
3. They feel the value they would get is too far off in terms of time.
4. They are very impulsive and get distracted.

For us, our procrastination is not triggered by numbers 1 or 4. We do see value in preparing for the holidays and we are not impulsive. Our procrastination is probably numbers 2 and 3. We want to have a full schedule of events and serve a magnificent holiday dinner for family. We need to set reasonable expectations of what we can do and know it won’t be perfect. Life is busy, and if we want to have joyous, relaxed holidays, we need to plan ahead and then put those thoughts into actions. An Irish proverb says, “You can’t plough a field by turning it over in your mind.”

We wanted to find out how someone else handles the holidays. We asked Susie Holovnia, a Chanhassen resident, if she is more of a planner or a procrastinator where the holidays are concerned. Susie said, “I guess I have to say that I’m a planner. This year was a different year for me. I’m an empty-nester. My children are gone so I didn’t have to plan a lot. It’s been a great Christmas for me this year – just a lot less expectations, from me and from anybody else. So, it’s been a really simple Christmas.”

We noted Susie’s many beautiful decorations and mentioned to her that she must be very organized. Susie agreed, “Yes, I am actually. This year I pulled out only the certain bins of the decorations that I wanted to put up. I didn’t take out all the homemade things and the “cling ons” (decorations that hang on windows). I lessened the décor. I think we’ve had a warmer winter, so the outdoor lights have gone up nicer. It’s just been really relaxing. I’ve been able to enjoy the Christmas holiday this year.”

We asked Susie, outside of lowering expectations, how was she able to get everything done. Susie answered, “I started this year right after Thanksgiving when the neighbor had a cookie exchange.” Because Susie started early, we were convinced she was an excellent planner. Susie continued, “I made one kind of cookie and lots and lots of batches. That night I came home and had my cookies done. That was awesome. It started from there. It started me thinking about Christmas, getting things up and making time to do it.”

We thanked Susie for sharing her helpful methods. As a planner, she started early, simplified, got baking done with friends and had decorations organized in bins. How about you? Are you a planner or a procrastinator?

Here are ideas to consider: If you procrastinated this year, perhaps you want to join us to confront the triggers that contribute to procrastination and to start holiday planning earlier next year. Whether you’re a planner and are ready, or a procrastinator with many things yet to do, we wish you Happy Holidays.

Chanhassen residents Doug and Lynn Nodland are Success Coaches and owners of The Balance Center. They can be contacted at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2018 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.