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Pushing the Envelope
I’ll bet that most of us don’t consider ourselves thrill seekers. That term somehow implies jumping out of planes and hunting tigers. But how many of us push the envelope just a little bit, possibly unconsciously to add a little excitement to our lives? How many times have you been perfectly happy driving 70 miles an hour in what you thought was a 65 mph zone, only to feel the need to kick it up to 75 when you pass a 70mph speed limit sign?
We do this in lots of ways in our everyday lives. We hold the utility bill until the day it is due, we postmark our taxes at midnight on April 15th. Why do people, as a general rule, work better under pressure? Part of it is setting priorities. Part of it is what is called ‘transference’. If we transfer our anxiety to a solvable problem it will take the pressure off attempting to solve what we see as unsolvable problems. Sounds good, doesn’t work. It’s kinda like the old “has a nice beat, and easy to dance to”. We have been dancing to the same tune for so long we don’t consider changing the record. (Showing my age, should be a CD).
Priority setting changes with maturity. When you’re young and never home, who needs electricity or phone service. As you mature, and that doesn’t always involve age, you learn the value of a clear conscience and a good night’s sleep. One of the biggest lessons in life is to deal with small problems before they get a chance to grow into great big problems. There are lots of options these days if you need help getting organized in any area of your life.
Paying bills on-line or having them drafted from your account is an excellent way of keeping on track. Getting your utilities on average monthly billing is really advantageous; it eliminates those nasty surprises in the hottest months of summer and the coldest months of winter.
List making helps with purchase planning large and small. If you are considering a major purchase you have to include all peripheral charges. We usually prepare for the sales tax on an automobile, but what about a change in room paint color that causes you to need all new bedding and draperies? Have you ever bought a new outfit that you didn’t have shoes for? What about an appliance that needed additional wiring? The real message here is to take a deep breath and a step back before taking a plunge.
Try making a list at the end of the day not only on what you accomplished but also on what you did not get accomplished. Have a column to list why you feel that you did not get certain tasks completed. You might surprise yourself by answering more honestly than you realize. If an item is simply a low priority, don’t beat yourself up about it. This is your life and you make the rules. You are also the one who will have to pay the penalties. Is not returning a book/movie on time worth the charge in order to spend time with friends or catch a nap? Maybe. Is letting a friend or employer down alright with you? Maybe not. Try to analyze what really kept you from completing tasks. Sometimes it is a fear of failure. We can convince ourselves we could have done something if we had just had the time.
If there is another person involved in the completion of tasks be sure to include them in solving the problem. Procrastination can be a weapon or a tool. The tool can be used for manipulation and the weapon can be used for punishment. It’s the whole passive aggressive thing that we don’t have time to go into, just be aware that some people don’t play fair.
If you need help with creditors or creating a realistic budget and setting attainable goals for yourself and/or family contact Credit Counseling Advocates, Inc for free counseling. We are in Van Buren at 927 B East Main. 479-410-1700 or 888-745-4481.