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“procrastination is the act of sorting by most interesting instead of most important. those who procrastinate are therefore more likely to be interesting people” @punk4156
I think about this tweet from time to time—like whenever I need to justify my procrastination. Like now, as I sit at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on the last day of the month, renewing my registration on the last possible day. I can hear my mother now, "why do you always wait until the last minute???!!!"
Why do I do this? I’ve probably paid stupid money in late fees due to this. But I have such a hard time spending time on things I have to do that I just don’t want to do. Like going to the DMV. No wants to be here. Even the employees.
I would much rather spend this time on the more interesting rather than the “important.” Who wouldn’t? I’m in my best zone when these overlap; when I’m spending my time doing something that is both interesting and important in my eyes.
What I deem important may be trivial to you. And certainly what I see as interesting may bore you entirely. So who determines what’s “important?”
Maybe important is the wrong word in this context. Necessary seems more accurate. In order for me to drive my car legally, it is necessary that I have an up-to-date registration. It’s probably neither important nor interesting. Just necessary.
Also in this category: laundry, paying bills, going to the dentist, doing dishes, dusting—all necessary. And all things I procrastinate until I just can’t wait any longer.
AND unpacking. Yup — the suitcase is still on the floor. And now I’m re-packing for another trip. It just got to the point that it made more sense just to leave it since I was packing again anyway. This was predictable if you know me.
I once left my Christmas tree up for a whole year. Time just kept marching and suddenly it was May. Then June. Then “well why bother now?” So the tree stood until January 2 the following year. I mean, the year was 2020 so I think that’s justification enough. It just wasn’t important enough to take it down.
But renewing my car registration is necessary.
And they are calling my number.
