I have read several books and articles lately where the person who is the subject of the book/article and happens to be very successful in their field, states they get their most unpleasant task of the day out of the way as quickly as possible, by doing it first, soon after waking up.
The most recent one was a very interesting biography of Paul Revere Williams, the architect who overcame many obstacles (orphaned by age 4 was one) to achieve a rare degree of success for a Black man at that time. He was known as architect to the stars, although he designed many other buildings too. He was extremely prolific and many of his buidings are very famous. Like the iconic pink Beverly Hills Hotel, for example.
I read that he always woke up early and did his most distasteful chore first.
Well that would never be me. Unfortunately my natural inclination is to put off anything I find difficult or unpleasant (which are most things that aren't on my fun/enjoyable list) to the last possible moment.
And although I wake up early, my favorite thing is to sit around reading online over coffee and breakfast, frequently til midday, now that I am retired. Mr Nankie likes that too and it is quite pleasant. Not the best for productivity however.
I am definitely a hard core procrastinator. I mean I do ultimately get done what I need to - I managed to get an education, have a successful career, raise my daughter, and have a long satisfying marriage, so I'm not doing too badly. But my first instinct is always to put things off.
My father was similar. We are particularly bad at responding to letters/emails promptly. Almost every one starts with "sorry I haven't written". Maybe a genetic component? Though not present in brother or mother.
The internet hasn't helped the situation. Could there be a better way to avoid doing what one doesn't feel like doing?
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