How to Overcome Prepping Procrastination

Gaye Levy, Contributing Writer
Activist Post

Procrastination is a trait that we all share.  For some, procrastination means putting off tasks or chores that are tedious, time-consuming, or simply downright boring.  To others, it means never quite getting to the task list because there are other, more entertaining distractions to fill up the time.

Whatever the reason, procrastination is problem with a lot of preppers:  the research is done, the budget is set, the checklists are printed out and ready to go and then what?  Nothing.

My goal today is to examine the insidious roadblocks to getting things done and also the steps that I personally to take to overcome what I call “prepping procrastination.”  And for me this is timely since I had a large list of items I had been meaning to take care of – prepping wise – and just never quite got to it.  And note that I said “had” since I have just spent four hours whittling down my own to-do list.

So just what is it that prevents us from reaching our preparedness goals?

Excuses, Excuses

Ask ten different people why they have not accomplished their preparedness goals and chances are that one of the following excuses will apply:

• I don’t know how to get started
• It will take too much time
• People with think I am crazy (or strange, weird or nuts)
• I don’t feel like it (or want to)
• I can’t afford it
• Why bother?  If it is the end of the world, it will not matter
• I am not sure it is necessary

One thing that each excuse has in common is that other than “I can’t afford it”, each is not a well-thought out, reasonable objection.  Instead, it is an emotional response designed to, well, delay doing something that may be unpleasant or fearful.

Overcoming the Excuses and Getting Stuff Done

So how does a person move away from this place of ineffective procrastination?  Pick a single task from your list and make one small step toward getting it done.  But before you even start, pick out the relevant objection and face it head on.

I don’t know how to get started:  This one is easy.  Just start.  You are not trying to conquer Rome in a day; you are simply trying to “_______________”.  You can fill in the blank with “purchase extra water” or “learn to package beans in Mylar bags” or “inventory my first aid kit” or whatever fits your situation.

It will take too much time:  Another easy one.  Regardless of the task, it will take just as much time to complete today as it will tomorrow.  One hour or one day – the time to complete is the same.  So why not start and get it done?

People will think I am crazy (or strange, weird or nuts):  So what?  Do you really care about that?  Go back and read the article Are you a Nut Job ? and remove this from the table.  Being thought of crazy, strange, weird, or nuts is a state of mind you should be able to deal with; and when you think about it, isn’t that the other guy’s problem?

I don’t feel like it (or want to):  Not wanting to do something is normal, especially if it is going to take some work.  Instead of focusing on the task, do a mind shift and focus on the results.  Say, for example, you need to install some extra lighting around the outside of your home to make it more secure.  You have to get out the ladder, string some wiring, perhaps cut back some shrubbery and, oh yeah, it is raining outside so you will get cold and wet in the process.

Instead of going through this tedious mental gyration, think about the results which will be a well-lighted yard that will fend of any would-be intruders, thus helping ensure the safety of your family and your stuff.  Now isn’t that a lot better?

I can’t afford it: This is probably the one valid excuse that will take some planning to overcome. About the best thing you can do is examine your lifestyle and find areas where you can shave some extra bucks from your monthly budget. Cut back on the cable bill, ditch the smartphone and its data plan, brown bag your lunch, and eat simple but healthy and economical meals of soup, homemade bread, beans, rice, pasta and other inexpensive foods. Shop for clothes in thrift stores and use public transportation. Almost everyone has something they can cut in order to save a few bucks a week.

If this is your excuse, accept the reality and embrace a new frugality. Move forward with an action plan to cut back on just one thing, even if the savings is just five dollars a week. At the end of the month you will have $20 to use to invest in your preps. That is not too little! Remember to focus on the result and not the sacrifice.

Why bother? If it is the end of the world, it will not matter:  First of all, do you really think it is going to be “the end of the world,” or the more common, “the end of the world as we/I know it?”  Chance are (and I am 99% sure of this) it will be the latter.  A storm, an earthquake, sudden and expected unemployment . . .  all of these things can change your life and your personal world in a heartbeat.

Taking the bother – and the time – to prepare now will not guarantee your safety or your survival, but it sure will give you one step up on those who do not bother.  I don’t know about you, but I would rather stack the deck in my favor.

I am not sure it is necessary: This is the mystery excuse. If it is not necessary, take it off the list. Simple. But before you do, examine why it was put there in the first place.

The Final Word

You might say that today’s article is a personal rant – aimed at myself as much as anyone else.  Whether I get lazy, complacent, tired, bored or whatever, I sometimes procrastinate in getting my preparedness tasks done.  Like you, I can come up with the excuse of the day (usually one of those listed above) and simply wait with the “I’ll worry about it tomorrow, Scarlett” mentality.

The challenge for all of us is to pick up one task or one project and start small today.  Spend an hour, perhaps two, and get something done.  The results will be worth it.

Read other articles by Gaye Levy here.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye Levy, the SurvivalWoman, grew up and attended school in the Greater Seattle area. After spending many years as an executive in the software industry, she started a specialized accounting practice offering contract CFO work to emerging high tech and service industries. She has now abandoned city life and moved to a serenely beautiful rural area on an island in NW Washington State. She lives and teaches the principles of a sustainable, self-reliant and stylish lifestyle through emergency preparation and disaster planning through her website at BackdoorSurvival.com. SurvivalWoman speaks her mind and delivers her message with optimism and grace, regardless of mayhem swirling around us.