A creative person

Creativity is seeing the same situations others do but putting an individual twist on the outcome or circumstances surrounding it. The Navy’s Seabees have a “can do” motto which exemplifies creativity. “You probably will not have the resources available so you must think out-side the box to accomplish the job”. Most people attempt to accomplish their duties and obligations in a timely manner. “Your assignment is to be emailed to me by Friday, the 27th of February,” my unseen professor demanded in her syllabus.

Well, let us put this situation in my perspective. I am a very, very busy person, the first class is Tuesday evening (March 3), my only day off between my last class and this newly scheduled class is Sunday. I have been working fourteen-hour days and I am tired. It is only Saturday evening (February 28), “I’ll do it tomorrow after the newspaper and church”, and I tell myself. I am a master procrastinator and proud of it. Anyone can schedule their time to accomplish their tasks in a timely manner but it takes a truly creative person to convince himself or herself there is another time zone in which the innovative juices flow.

I’ve heard all the warnings: “Don’t wait until the last minute”; “Procrastination is a thief of time, learn to manage time, don’t let time manage you.”

I work well under pressure. I always seem to put things off until there is only a minimum of time left. By practicing the fine art of procrastination, I have learned things that others over look. On many occasions, after putting off domestic duties like mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, taking out the garbage, etc. my wife will miraculously have them all done, then by the time guilt rears its ugly head in me it is time to put things off again. The promise of dinner and a movie tomorrow night usually smoothes things over. Everyone knows tomorrow is always the best day to accomplish your best. I’ve heard people say procrastination technically refers to the avoidance of a specific task or work. Everyone is entitled to his or her
opinion.

I have acquired great time-management skills while working toward my Master-in-Procrastination (MIP.) Knowing exactly how much time is needed to complete the project and exactly when the appropriate time to start the project has arrived, is an art. The last minute is worth waiting for.

It takes a creative mind to manufacture excuses and not use the same one twice. I need nerves of steel to look into those cold, steel blue, unflinching eyes of my wife and ask for a time extension. “I’ll do it at half-time, Wait ’til the seventh inning stretch, the game’s almost over”, I have heard rank amateurs use these phrases repeatedly. They sound almost like the speaker is begging for permission. These worn out old diatribes have been discarded by true procrastinators like me. “Honey, look at that player, he reminds me of your father. He looks so graceful and seems to have command of the whole field. Let’s see what he does the next time he comes up.” That ought to be good for another 2 or 3 innings.

Each of us can be creative if we recognize our unique talents and develop mastery in those areas. However, there is no guarantee that the world will recognize our gifts. One must be satisfied knowing they are utilizing their God-given talents. If you are blessed with the procrastination genius, you will find the world really does revolve around you. Living a creative life can be very rewarding,

Tomorrow is my favorite day. I just might stop procrastinating, tomorrow.